We provide free, on-site consultation services to child care providers and preschool teachers serving children aged birth through five who have not yet begun kindergarten. In collaboration with the provider and family, individualized strategies are planned to support the child’s success in his/her program.
   

The Consultation Process:
We work with you to learn about your child: For children already attending childcare or preschool, we will observe the child in his/her program, speak with teachers/ providers about the child, speak with the family, and do a developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Parents are involved in the process every step of the way and must provide written consent.
   

We develop a plan: A Goal and Action plan will be written with parent and provider input addressing the child’s areas of need in the childcare/preschool setting. Plans will include but are not limited to suggestions around: curriculum, environments, guidance, developmental skills, etc.
   

We work together on strategies: The consultant will then help implement the plan. This may include: site visits, meetings, curriculum ideas, etc.

We build connection: The consultant can link childcare and preschool programs to additional community resources. The consultant can also link families to community resources to support their child’s development.
   

We also offer inclusion support: The project can work with children receiving Early Start or school district services as well. A consultant will work with families and programs to prepare their child for transition into a community preschool or childcare setting. The consultant will continue to be available as the child settles into the program to help adapt curriculum, problem solve around any challenges, facilitate communication with other developmental services, etc. We are not able to serve as a classroom aide — the goal of implementation is to support the teacher or provider in adapting her program. Our involvement is time limited. The process is guided by development of a Goal and Action Plan as described above.

Early Learning Institute and our partner agencies strongly believe all families want what is best for their children and that childcare providers and teachers are also committed to providing the best possible care during their time with children. We aim to connect families, teachers, and other professionals involved in working with a child to create consistent, nurturing childcare and preschool experiences. We are happy to speak to families about our program and how it might fit their child’s needs.

Please contact Early Learning Institute for more information:
Phone: (707) 591-0170

 

 

 

*The Consultation Project is a partnership of Early Learning Institute (ELI), Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), and ABC Special Start. If you have any questions about the project please call the lead agency, Early Learning Institute, at (707) 591-0170.

Revised: June 2009
   

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