E.S. Weiant Center preschool programs to merge with NCS, ESC -- letter to parents.

EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

Early intervention services at the E.S. Weiant Center serve children age birth through two years who have or are at risk for having a developmental delays. Many children who present delays have a diagnosed condition such as Down Syndrome or cerebral palsy. Others may be at risk for delays in development due to premature birth or other medical condition. Children can begin early intervention services any time during the first three years of life. Some children require services throughout that time, while other children only temporarily need services. The Ann Davino Center in Pataskala provides satellite early intervention services to residents of western Licking County.

The early intervention staff works in partnership with families to help them understand their children's development and assists them in achieving their full potential. Staff members assist families in accessing community resources including physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as service coordination, parent/child education and parent support groups.

PRESCHOOL SERVICES

E.S. Weiant Center informational flyer

Preschool classes at the E.S. Weiant Center, 116 N. 22nd St., Newark, are available to all children -- those with and without disabilities -- ages three to five years. Children who are typical in their development and children with developmental disabilities are enrolled in every classroom and encouraged to interact and learn from one another. All children gain skills as they capitalize on the differences, knowledge and abilities of their peers. A maximum of 12 students is enrolled in each classroom. Certified teachers and assistants plan daily activities to meet every child's individual needs. Teachers develop lesson plans in accordance with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Early Learning Content Standards. All E.S. Weiant teachers hold college or graduate degrees in education and are certified by ODE in early childhood education.

Early childhood staff employ a play-based approach that emphasizes all areas of development. Research shows that children learn best when they are actively engaged in play with the people and materials in their environment. All subject areas -- math, social studies, literacy and science -- are integrated into the curriculum and introduced to the children through play activities. Language is fostered, as well.

THERAPY SERVICES

Therapy services focus on assisting children to better function in their environment and include physical, occupational and speech/language therapies. A physical therapist evaluates how a child lies, sits, stands and walks, along with the general quality of those movements. An occupational therapist evaluates a child's feeding, play and hand-use skills. A speech/language therapist may assess how a child responds to speech and language in his environment, and how he or she attempts to speak or communicate. Therapists can arrange to build or modify adaptive equipment as needed by a child.

AUTISM SERVICES

Services include a variety of therapies for those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Primary programs include the P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project, a breakthrough relationship-based therapy that emphasizes play and social skills; and Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI), which focuses on cognitive skills.

Autism services also include sensory integration therapy, which provides controlled sensory input that allows a child with sensory integration dysfunction to make an adaptive response that integrates the sensations and enhances the organization of the brain.

Posted 9/10/2008: Understanding Autism Scholarship

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS 

Rising Up to Downs is a Downs Syndrome Support Group that meets the first Friday of each month at the E.S. Weiant Center, 116 N. 22nd St., Newark. Social/snack time is from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and the speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting ends at 9 p.m. Childcare is available to those who RSVP in advance by calling Wanda Krupp at (740) 344-6921, or wkrupp3@hotmail.com.

     September 5: Our guest speaker will be Lee Balser. Lee has worked with individuals   who have behavioral challenges for about 30 years. He provides behavioral support for Licking, Coshocton and Guernsey counties' MRDD programs. He also provides behavior support to an 18-county region in southeastern Ohio. As always, grandparents, childcare providers, and teachers/aids are welcome to attend our meetings. There will be plenty of time for questions. Bring a snack to share (optional). If you are in need of childcare during the meeting, please RSVP to Wanda Krupp at (740) 344-6921, or wkrupp3@hotmail.com.

     October 3: Join us as the Wollenburg and Higgins families discuss how they home school their children -- those with disabilities and those who are typical in development. Bring a snack to share (optional). Childcare is available to those who RSVP to Wanda at (740) 344-6921, or wkrupp3@hotmail.com.

PLAYGROUPS

Please check back with us shortly for future dates.

TRANSITION SERVICES, AGES 16-22

Transition typically starts when a student who is eligible for LCBMRDD services begins high school. This is an important planning and exploring time. This is a time when your service coordinator helps you think about and plan for what you will do after you graduate. Service coordinators can help you to consider and answer some important questions:

* Do I need help making important decisions?
* Should a guardian be considered when I turn 18?
* Where and with whom will I live?
* How will I support myself?
* What type of job is best for me, based on my skill sets?
* What will I do during leisure time?
* What are my goals and dreams, and how do I pursue them?

For those who need more information about Transition Services for teens and young adults, ages 16-22, please call the Youth Service Coordination team at (740) 349-1420.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Services for Children, please contact the E.S. Weiant Center at (740) 344-6921, or (800) 443-4805. The E.S. Weiant Center is located at 116 N. 22nd St., Newark, OH  43055. The Ann Davino Center is located at 12202 Morse Road, Pataskala, in the former Jersey Elementary School. The phone number there is (740) 927-0621.

For those who need more information about Transition Services for teens and young adults, ages 16-22, please call our Youth Service Coordination team at (740) 349-1420.

>> HOME