Services

The Special Educator assesses your child's cognitive, play, behavioral, and social-emotional skills.  Children have varying learning styles and intellectual abilities.  The Special Educator will individualize teaching interventions to meet the specific needs of your child.  She will make referrals to other disciplines as appropriate.

The nurse receives referrals for infants at high risk for developmental delay; some of whom may be medically fragile.  The nurse monitors all areas of development, coordinating services for any area showing atypical or delayed development.  The nurse may assist the parent/caregiver in organizing medical information and in communicating with the child's clinicians as needed.

The Physical Therapist evaluates your child's ability to move through his/her environment safely. Children who have an illness or birth injury may have difficulty reaching their developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. With your input the physical therapist will design a treatment plan to help develop muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance. The PT will also evaluate the need for orthotics or other assistive devices/adaptive equipment.

The Physical Therapist evaluates your child's ability to move through his/her environment safely. Children who have an illness or birth injury may have difficulty reaching their developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. With your input the physical therapist will design a treatment plan to help develop muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance. The PT will also evaluate the need for orthotics or other assistive devices/adaptive equipment.

The Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates your child's receptive and expressive language skills, feeding and swallowing skills, and speech skills. A speech disorder affects the child's production of sound (articulation or fluency), while a language disorder deals with the child's ability to understand what is said or to put words together to communicate their thoughts. The Speech-Language Therapist will design a program based on the goals established for your child.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Infants and Toddlers in Carroll County includes assessments, direct services, and consultation to parents and staff. These services can be provided in the home or daycare setting. Certified teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired work with the infants/toddlers to evaluate their functional vision and monitor growth and development of the eyes. They also attend IFSP meetings and assist with transitioning the child into school age settings and IEP document.

Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Infants and Toddlers in Carroll County include both direct services and consultation to families and staff regarding hearing assessments, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other technology.  These services are provided in the home or daycare setting; and if the parent desires, can be paired with services provided by the Maryland School for the Deaf.  Certified Deaf Educators work with the infants/toddlers and their families to assist in developing language, based on parent preference (Spoken English, American Sign Language, or other sign systems).  They also attend IFSP meetings and assist with transitioning the child into school age settings and IEP documents.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS

Parents As Teachers (a service of the Judy Center) is a nationally recognized program available to parents in Carroll County who require child development knowledge and parenting support.  It is available free of charge to families from pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten.  This program helps teach parents about what to expect in each stage of their child's development and offer ideas about ways to foster learning during everyday activities.  To learn more, call 410-751-3613.  

JUDY CENTER

The Judy Center Partnership of Carroll County is funded by a federal grant given to the Maryland Stated Department of Education.  This program is designed to promote school readiness for children from birth through age five.  Numerous non-profit and public agencies work in collaboration to foster success in school.  The staff work with the child and the family, community-based agencies, and childcare providers throughout the county.  More information can be obtained by contacting:

Sue Mitchell

410-751-3613

FAMILY SUPPORT

Family Support is an Information and Resource Center for families, educators, and community agencies within Carroll County. The staff can provide information and support for issues that involve children's educational needs.  They offer workshops and in-services throughout the school year, organize various activities for children and their families, and manage an extensive lending library.  For more information about Family Support, contact:

Tammy Chisholm

410-751-3955

If you are interested in talking with a parent who knows what you're going through, email Tammy Chisholm , representative for the Family Support Network, or call 410-751-3955 to be linked to a parent with similar experiences!

SECAC is a partnership between families, educators and community leaders working to enhance services offered to students with disabilities. Everyone is invited. For more information, email Tammy Chisholm, or call 410-751-3955.

If you would like to speak with a parent who has experience with the GFCF diet, please contact Anna Letaw by phone, 410-795-7950; or email, annaletaw@comcast.net.  She is able to speak with you about the pros and cons of the GFCF diet, how to begin the diet, review foods and ingredient lists, and how to incorporate the diet in the school setting.  She will often refer parents to TACA (see below).

"TACA is a national non-profit 501(c)(3)organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism."

The organization holds monthly meetings in many locations throughout the US.  the Maryland & Washington, D.C. chapter meets in Severa Park the second Tuesday of each month.  There are coffee groups that meet in Gambrills, Pasadena, Ellicott City, Gaithersburg and Sterling, VA. at varying dates and times.  TACA has a lending library, access to Live Chat, and connections via Facebook and Twitter.  For further information, click on the link below.  

http://www.tacanow.org/local-chapters/northeast/maryland/ 

A parent-sponsored, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. They are very active and offer great advice for families new to the diagnosis. Check the website for more information: www.pathfindersforautism.org