OUR MISSION:

TO ADVANCE THE INDEPENDENCE, PRODUCTIVITY AND FULL CITIZENSHIP OF PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND OTHER DISABILITIES. "LITTLE BRIDGES" ADHERES TO THE MISSION AS IT RELATES TO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

"LITTLE BRIDGES" STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY SOCIAL AND RECREATION PROGRAM POSSIBLE FOR ALL CHILDREN, INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. WE HAVE A RATIO OF THREE CHILDREN TO ONE COACH. FAMILIES AND COACHES WORK TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT IN A LOVING STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT. WE ARE ALL WORKING TOWARD THE COMMON GOAL TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM AN IN-HOME TEACHING PROGRAM TO A CLASSROOM SETTING IN A LARGE SCHOOL.
    THE CHILDREN'S SENSE OF SELF WILL BE ENHANCED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD AS A SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND CREATIVE BEING. EVERY CHILD DESERVES AND WILL RECEIVE ATTENTION, APPROVAL AND AFFECTION.

OUR PROGRAM:

THE CHILDREN WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND A MINIMUM OF THREE DAYS A WEEK, MORNINGS (7:30-11:30 AM) OR AFTERNOONS (12-4PM). THEY WILL PARTICIPATE IN A GROUP NO LARGER THAN 15 CHILDREN AND WILL HAVE A RATIO OF 3 CHILDREN TO ONE COACH.
    SEASONAL THEMES WILL PROVIDE ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC AND ART THERAPY, SOCIAL AND PLAY ACTIVITIES.
    THE REGGIO EMILIA PROJECT APPROACH WILL INVOLVE THE CHILD, THE PARENTS, AND THE COMMUNITY.
    "LITTLE BRIDGES" PREPARES THE DISABLED CHILD FOR THE CLASSROOM BY THE USE OF SENSORY TECHNIQUES INCLUDING LANGUAGE, MOVEMENT, DAILY LIVING SKILLS, SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS.
    EACH CHILD WILL HAVE AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT DONE AND VIDEO TAPED UPON ENTRY. AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN IS DEVELOPED FOR EACH CHILD WITH GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ADDRESSING THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED.

OUR STAFF:

    THE STAFF CONSIST OF A PROGRAM DIRECTOR WHO IS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST. SHE IS AN EXPERIENCED SOCIAL RECREATION SERVICES COORDINATOR FOR DISABLED CHILDREN. THERE ARE FOUR QUALIFIED COACHES WHO WILL BE RECEIVING ONGOING STAFF DEVELOPMENT TRAINING. THEY USE THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH TO LEARNING. ALL STAFF ARE HIGHLY TRAINED AND WILL GIVE THE CHILDREN ATTENTION, APPROVAL AND AFFECTION.

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY:

    PARENTS/GUARDIAN WILL BE REQUIRED TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE "LITTLE BRIDGES" PROGRAM BY CONTRIBUTING HOURS AT THE CENTER TO FURTHER CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AND FACILITATE THE INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES.
    COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEM PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMS AND PROMOTING A MORE COMPASSIONATE, FRIENDLY ATTITUDE TOWARDS SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AND OUR CENTER.
    INLAND REGIONAL CENTER, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND OTHER AGENCIES ARE OUR PARTNERS IN THE SUCCESS OF "LITTLE BRIDGES".

                        IF YOU CAN HELP WITH TIME OR MONEY PLEASE CALL:
                                                                      760 321-8184

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