Unlocking Potential: How RHSC's Early Intervention Playgroups Boost Developmental Milestones
- akabel2
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The need for Early Intervention is important because 85% of children's brain development happens before age five. However, that need is often overlooked or difficult to obtain services for, and it's sometimes not until preschool or later that children are identified as needing or are able to get these services. Parents and family members are left struggling to find programs to help meet those needs so their child can begin working on those crucial developmental milestones and are not left behind.
One such family who was finally able to obtain services for their child here at RHSC is Jalani's. Jalani is a sweet, determined little girl who loves music and friends, and has the most irresistible smile. After a difficult pregnancy, Jalani was born several weeks early, and it soon became clear that she wasn’t meeting her major developmental milestones. She qualified for therapeutic services but was one of the hundreds of children placed on the waitlist for Early Intervention due to a shortage of providers in Monroe County because of NYS’s low reimbursement rates.
Her family started bringing her to the monthly EI Playdates at Rochester Hearing & Speech Center. There, they were able to meet with RHSC therapists and engage in the supported developmentally appropriate activities provided by occupational, speech, and physical therapists as well as special education teachers. Sara Calus PT, DPT, RHSC’s motor supervisor, regularly attends the playdates and was able to meet with Jalani’s family. She suggested activities and support tips they might be able to implement at home and answered questions about the Early Intervention process in Monroe County. Through teamwork and communication, it was determined that Jalani would be an excellent candidate for the Early Intervention Developmental Playgroup services offered at RHSC and she was placed on their waiting list.
Shortly after Jalani's second birthday, a space opened and she began receiving occupational, physical and speech therapies as well as special education at RHSC. Regarding her progress, her grandmother says that “in five months, her body is noticeably stronger, and her speech is starting to take off!” Recently, Jalani began using a pediatric walker for mobility and was so proud of herself when she met her mom at the door walking with assistance from her PT, Sara. A year ago, Lani was developmentally at 6-8 months. Now, she is closer to 15-18 months and is quickly moving toward becoming a more independent toddler.
At any given time in Monroe County, there are as many as 500 children waiting for critical Early Intervention Services. New York State reimbursement rates have not increased in more than 30 years, leaving RHSC as the only remaining nonprofit provider with a footprint in Monroe County. In 2024, RHSC provided over 66,000 services to over 1,000 children with developmental disabilities. How can you make an impact? Send a letter to your representatives, Governor Hochul and Senate and Assembly leadership telling them to PASS the Early Intervention Reform Bill. Click the button below to fill out a quick form to send to NYS lawmakers today.
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