The Importance Of Early Childhood Intervention

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION Early Intervention can make all the difference.

An informative speech by Julie Andrews

An informative speech by Julie Andrews

Introduction 

Hello I am here to talk to you today about Early Childhood Intervention. I am a single mother to a high functioning Autistic little boy. I would like to help inform you of the many benefits of E.C.I

Thesis Statement 

I. Explaining what E.C.I. is.

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II. Recognizing the importance of E.C.I.

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III. Finding sources for E.C.I.

Body of speech 

What is Early Childhood Intervention?

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Early Childhood Intervention is a support system for children with developmental delays and/or disabilities and their families. There are three primary reasons for intervening early with an exceptional (or special needs) child: to enhance the child's development, to provide support and assistance to the family, and to maximize the child's and family's benefit to society.

Body of speech continued, Recognizing the Importance of E.C.I 

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Child development research has established that the rate of human learning and development is most rapid in the preschool years. Timing of intervention becomes particularly important when a child runs the risk of missing an opportunity to learn during a state of maximum readiness. If the most teachable moments or stages of greatest readiness are not taken advantage of, a child may have difficulty learning a particular skill at a later time. Early intervention services also have a significant impact on the parents and siblings of an exceptional infant or young child. The family of a young exceptional child often feels disappointment, social isolation, added stress, frustration, and helplessness. The compounded stress of the presence of an exceptional child may affect the family's well-being and interfere with the child's development. Families of handicapped children are found to experience increased instances of divorce and suicide, and the handicapped child is more likely to be abused than is a nonhandicapped child. Early intervention can result in parents having improved attitudes about themselves and their child, improved information and skills for teaching their child, and more release time for leisure and employment.

Body of speech continued 

A third reason for intervening early is that society will reap maximum benefits. The child's increased developmental and educational gains and decreased dependence upon social institutions, the family's increased ability to cope with the presence of an exceptional child, and perhaps the child's increased eligibility for employment, all provide economic as well as social benefits.

Body of speech continued, Finding sources for E.C.I.

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Finding sources for E.C.I. can be as easy as speaking to your pediatrician. You will first need to find out if your child qualifies for E.C.I. When you find out you will then start the process of figuring out what your child’s needs are. Again your pediatrician will be able to direct you to a person qualified to do this with you. These services may include screening and assessments; physical, occupational and speech language therapy; and special instruction, training and counseling services. Half of the ECI programs are state or local mental health and mental retardation facilities, about one quarter are with school districts or regional educational service centers, and about one quarter are nonprofit organizations. Depending on how severe your child’s case is, determines how much help he or she may need. Staff from these programs may include early intervention specialists, nurses, psychologists, dieticians, paraprofessionals, teachers, social workers, and physical, occupational, speech and language therapists.

Conclusion

Conclusion My personal belief in E.C.I.

Early Childhood Intervention works!

Children can succeed with E.C.I

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I believe in E.C.I. 100 %. I have witnessed the affects it has shown in my son. We started E.C.I when he was 3 years old and I fully believe this changed his life. I also , in addition to the services mentioned before, added in music therapy and art therapy. They are two more amazing programs that you can enroll your child in or practice at home. I urge all of you who are parents to talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s needs.