Early Supports
Sherwood provides therapy and education for infants and toddlers (birth to age three) who have developmental disabilities or are diagnosed with a medical condition known to place a child at risk for delays. The ultimate goal is to provide supports to help the child reach their developmental milestones. It is known that a diagnosis or suspected delay can often make families feel anxious or scared, but we want you to know that Sherwood is here for you! Here are some important things that you should know about Sherwood's Early Supports Services:
Joshua plays with a puzzle during a home visit with his therapist.
Our Services Include:
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Developmental Screening & Evaluation
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Resource Coordination
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Developmental Education
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Parent Coaching & Training
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Speech Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Physical Therapy
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Feeding & Oral/Motor Therapy
My son Daniel was diagnosed with Hypertonia at the age of 4 months old. His arms would extend back his whole body was rigid, he wasn’t hitting his gross motor milestones, he couldn’t roll over. It was hard as a parent to see that and then feeling helpless. So to have the support and be able to move forward through that was huge and today he’s made so much progress.“
– Alissa (Early Supports Parent)
Sherwood comes to you!
Sherwood's therapists and educators provide virtual telehealth or in-person services in the child's natural environment, meaning that they can come to you at your home, the child's daycare or other community setting. The initial evaluation to determine eligibility is at no cost to your family. You do not need a doctor's referral to begin Early Supports services - you can start the intake process today! Since therapy takes place in a familiar setting, therapists will often incorporate a child's favorite toys and books into therapy sessions. It is wonderful seeing children in an environment that is comfortable to them!
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Therapy is a team effort!
Therapists and educators utilize a parent coaching model that really encourages family involvement. The Early Supports team loves seeing parents and caregivers engaging in therapy sessions so that they are equipped to learn tools and techniques that can continue even when the therapist isn’t present. (Many times siblings even take part!) Sherwood's therapists and coordinators will work with you to set goals and develop a plan to achieve the best outcome for the child and celebrate with you along the way as the child reaches those goals!
Sherwood therapists and educators completed the Center of Excellence training in 2020 put on by University of WA and Seattle Children’s Hospital. This is an intensive training around Autism Spectrum Disorder characteristics, red flags, intervention strategies, Applied Behavior Analysis supports and more.
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Sherwood is here for you!
Your family will be assigned to a Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) who will essentially be your go-to with any questions regarding therapists or the process of Early Supports. They can make recommendations regarding pediatricians, local play groups and resources that are available to you. FRC’s will also accompany you to transition meetings with the school district when your child nears age 3 to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
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Sherwood has a staff with a wide range of specialties to support your family. The Early Supports team is comprised of speech-language pathologists, motor therapists, special educators, teachers of the deaf and therapists who specialize with feeding therapy. Sherwood also has the ability to contract with other providers if you have a child that needs nutritional, counseling, vision or behavior services.
Sherwood also has a group online where current and former Sherwood parents can engage with questions they have, celebrate milestones that have been met and share upcoming events in the community. When parents are able to connect with other parents in similar situation they know that they are not alone!
If you are interested in Early Supports services with Sherwood, please fill out our online referral form.