Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist
The P.L.A.Y. Project may sound like a guide for having fun, but it is so much more. It is a unique program designed for families who have children, ages 0-6 yrs, on the autism spectrum. A consultant works one-on-one with parents and empowers them with knowledge on using engaging activities in their everyday routines with their child(ren), who might have various sensory and developmental challenges. The Champaign County Board of DD (CCBDD) is very lucky to have Jess Baird as our in-house certified P.L.A.Y. Project consultant. To participate in The P.L.A.Y. Project, a child must first be evaluated by CCBDD to determine eligibility for Early Intervention services. Anyone can make a referral for the initial evaluation. After evaluation, the CCBDD staff decides if the family is a good candidate for P.L.A.Y. Project. To start, simply contact the CCBDD Early Intervention Director, Jennifer Bradford at j.bradford@champaigncbdd.org to ask about referrals. Or you can start the referral process yourself by going to www.ohioearlyintervention.org. In the meantime, Jess offers ideas to support families with a child on the autism spectrum and to help all families start the holidays and new year with engaging activities.
2. Visit some of Jess Baird's favorite websites like www.asensorylife.com and www.inspiredtreehouse.com. These sites offer a wealth of resources for helping children with high sensory needs. There are checklists, tips and tricks, research information, and fun therapeutic activities.
Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist Early Intervention and P.L.A.Y. Project are two free services offered at Champaign Co Board of DD. But what are they and how do they help?
Early Intervention (EI) is for children ages birth to 3 years. The EI program provides certified therapists to work with children who are suspected of having a developmental impairment. Therapists also work with parents to help them understand and work with their child's issues. P.L.A.Y. Project is for children ages birth to 6 years and is essentially an EI program specialized for children suspected of having autism. Here are some important things to remember about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project:
If you want to learn more about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project, contact Jennifer Bradford (Early Intervention Director) at 937-653- 5217. ² Statistic found at www.wecarechildren.org |