The Child Development CenterAll six Child Development Centers in the region are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation assures parents that all practices and curricula are state-of-the-art, and that highly trained staff are involved in continuous self-evaluation and program improvement. The Association support hands-on, experiential learning, in which a child can discover and achieve relying on his or her own interests and initiative. Activities are carefully planned by staff to be appropriate for the child's age and development level so that mastery, self-esteem and learning can be achieved in an enjoyable and supported environment.
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Mission Statement • Developmental Screening
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Developmental AssessmentChildren who are identified with suspected delays through screening, local education agency (LEA) and parents may receive a full multi-disciplinary assessment from Lincoln Uinta Child Development Association's professional staff. Service providers may include an Early Childhood Special Educator, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, Vision/Mobility Specialist, Child Psychologist or Social Worker. All results are discussed in depth with parents and a plan formulated for the child through collaboration of the entire team.
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Developmental ScreeningThroughout the year all centers offer developmental screenings for children birth through five. Screenings cover vision, hearing, problem-solving, social-emotional development, communication and physical skill development. These services are supported by local school districts and are free to families. If needs are identified during screening, follow up services are provided without cost.
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Special Education & Related ServicesEarly intervention is available to families having children with special needs. This program serves children birth through three in their homes, using daily routines as opportunities for growth. Parents and care-givers learn techniques from specialists to assist their children in maximizing development. Case managers help families in obtaining and coordinating children's services, while teachers, social workers, or therapists provide intervention to build skills and encourage learning. Children with development delays, ages three through five, may receive home or center-based services. All preschool programs are fully inclusive; children with special needs play and learn along side their same-aged peers. Adaptations to the regular education curriculum allow these children the opportunity to participate to the fullest extent possible in activities enjoyed by preschoolers. When children are ready for kindergarten, agreements between Lincoln Uinta Child Development Association and local school districts promote a smooth transition while ensuring continuity of service delivery.
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Wyoming Head StartHead Start is a federally funded program, offered at all six Child Development Centers, for income eligible children three to five years old and their families. Families must be income eligible to enroll their child in Wyoming Head Start. Head Start promotes school readiness in children and self-sufficiency for Wyoming families through health services, social services, nutritious meals, parent involvement, home visits and early childhood education. Services incorporate preschool two days per week with lunch and two home visits per month. Home visits are family focused, engaging parents in activities designed to improve child development and enhance school readiness. Staff brainstorms with families goals for improving self-sufficiency, facilitate parent engagement in educational and training programs and encourage their pursuit of employment. Staff provides information about services in the community and link families to financial, in-kind, medical, and social support services as well as self sufficiency programs.
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