What type of programs/services does Wyoming Valley Children's Association offer?
WVCA provides an Early Intervention Program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (0-5 years) who demonstrate developmental disabilities. Individual therapies (Occupational, Physical, Speech), small group therapies and an inclusive preschool are provided in children's homes and at the treatment center.
Two medical clinics are provided for children birth to 18 years of age. They are an Orthopedic Clinic and an Early Intervention Clinic which are facilitated by pediatric physicians.
What Are The Most Common Diagnoses Or Conditions Of Children Served By WVCA?
- Developmental Delay
- Speech/Language Delays
- Mental Retardation
- Cerebral Palsy
- Seizure Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Premature Birth
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Gross Motor Delay
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Arthritis
- Visual Impairment
- Stroke
- Spina Bifida
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention in Pennsylvania is services and supports designed to help families with children with developmental delays. Early Intervention builds upon the natural learning occurring in those first few years. With parental help, early intervention services and supports can enhance the child's development by...
- Answering questions about a child's development
- Assisting parents in interacting with their children throughout daily routines at home and in the community
- Supporting children with developmental disabilities in order for them to become more independent
- Preventing the need for more and costly intervention in the future
- Supporting communities to become more aware of the gifts and abilities of all children
Early Intervention services include specialized instruction and activities modified for preschool children and related services as needed, including but not limited to, speech/language services, occupational and physical therapy, hearing and vision support, service coordination, parent training and psychological services. All services are provided under the direction of an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for 0-3 year olds or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) based on the results of a multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE) in accordance with Act 212 of 1990 and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and applicable state and federal regulations.
What is an inclusive preschool?
WVCA's "Together We Grow" Preschool is inclusive which means that children with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn and play with typically-developing children. This blending of children has proven most beneficial since role modeling and imitation skills are encouraged. All children learn to understand, accept and value each other's learning differences and styles.
How do I enroll my typical child in preschool?
WVCA accepts registration of typically-developing children throughout the school year. For information regarding vacancies and tuition or for a tour of the learning environments, please contact WVCA's Education Coordinator at (570) 829-2453.
How does WVCA work with OCDEL (locally represented by MH/MR and Hazleton Area School District)?
OCDEL (Office of Child Development – Early Learning) contracts with WVCA through the Luzerne County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program to provide physical, occupational, speech/language therapies and special instruction for infants/toddlers birth to 3 years within the child’s home or day care center. Referrals are received from MH/MR’s service coordinators. Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are developed with family’s input and implemented by WVCA’s interventionists. Preschoolers, age 3-5 years, are supported by the Hazleton Area School District under the direction of OCDEL. They develop the IEP (Individual Education Plan) along with WVCA. Services are delivered in preschool programs at WVCA and at other community locations.
Who should I contact to inquire if my child is eligible for Early Intervention services?
Parents who have questions about their child's development or disability may talk with their family physician or health care provider, or call the CONNECT Helpline (1-800-692-7288) CONNECT staff can refer a family to the appropriate local agency to receive a developmental assessment. This assessment will determine if the child is eligible for services.
The local contacts are:
For infants/toddlers (ages 0-3 years): (570) 826-3030 or 1-800-816-1880.
For preschool children (3 years to kindergarten): (570) 826-0850
* Note: Ask for Early Intervention Program contact person.
How do I get a referral to WVCA?
WVCA’s Service Coordinators receive referrals from parents, guardians, the office of Child Development – Early Learning (OCDEL), formerly known as Luzerne County MH/MR program, (for children birth to 3 years of age).
How do I pay for services?
WVCA is a non profit organization whose mission is to address the developmental needs of children. Most Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to the family. Clinic services are covered by family insurance plans. Some children qualify for medical assistance which pays for those services.
Staff is available to discuss payment options with the family and develop feasible payments. No child is denied services due to a family's inability to pay.
How is WVCA funded?
WVCA's current operating budget is $1.2 million. Funds are received from a variety of sources including government contracts (state and federal), insurance payments (for clinics), special events and the generous support of the community.
Does WVCA provide Day Care?
No. The early childhood programs provided by WVCA are preschool programs. Preschool sessions (AM or PM) are 2 ˝ hours in duration and are available 2, 3, or 4 days a week.
What is SSI? What is MA?
SSI is Supplemental Security Income. It pays monthly benefits to people who have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of income. Most people who receive SSI are also eligible for food stamps and MA (Medicaid) which helps pay doctor and hospital bills.
You can get more information about SSI and MA by:
- Visiting www.ssa.gov
- Calling toll free 1-800-772-1213
- Contacting your local welfare or medical assistance office
- Visiting www.dpw.state.pa.us
