It is not unusual for families to have questions or concerns about their child’s development. You may be wondering: Why isn’t my son sitting up? Why isn’t my daughter walking? Is my child’s hearing/vision normal? It is important to keep in mind that all children develop differently and at their own pace. However, when you have questions about your child’s development there is a local program, funded by the state of California, that can help you.
The Santa Clarita Valley SELPA Early Start Program serves families and children from birth to three years of age who have motor delays, hearing loss, or visual impairments, free of charge. We are a team of special education teachers, occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, an educational audiologist and support staff that assess and address the family’s needs, and provide therapeutic services in the home and in our parent education class. We are the only program in the Santa Clarita Valley that serves children from birth to three years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Below is a partial list of the diagnoses for which we provide services:
1. Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
2. Deaf/Hard of Hearing
3. Visual Impairments
4. Fine and Gross Motor Delays:
• Hypo/Hypertonia
• Not sitting independently by six months
• Not walking by 16 months
5. Orthopedic Impairments:
• Hip Dysplasia
• Club Foot
• Spina Bifida
• Cerebral Palsy
• Arthrogryposis
• Osteogenisis Imperfecta
• Brachial Plexus
• Spinal Curvature (scoliosis, kyphosis)
If you have questions about your child’s development please contact the SCV SELPA Early Start Program at 661-294-5332, for an evaluation and assessment. During the assessment process, your child’s motor skills, communication development, learning skills, social interaction, and emotional development will be evaluated. If your child is determined to be eligible for services, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with you, for your child and family. By working closely with you, early intervention professionals ensure that services, community supports, and parent-to-parent resources are brought together to meet your child’s unique needs and the needs of your family to support your child’s development.
To learn more about the SCV SELPA Early Start Program, please go to the website: www.scvselpa.org, or call: 661-294-5332.