CHILDRENS’ SERVICES

In 2008, Sycamore Services Children’s Programs took steps to serve more children developing some new and innovative services to reach children in different age and ability groups.
 
FIRST STEPS - EARLY INTERVENTION: Professionally trained therapists provided education and exercises that assisted children from birth to age 3 in reaching their appropriate developmental age.  Early Intervention services included physical therapy, developmental therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapies.  Therapists attended formal and informal workshops, as well as through the year to maintain therapeutic skills.

 LEAF:  Children participated in LEAF, Learning Everyday Activities with Friends, a play group for pre-school age children that provides early educational learning and activities while teaching appropriate interaction skills.  Children participated in imaginary play, problem solving, sensory exploration, movement and music activities with other children that become friends.  LEAF expanded from 1 half-day session per week to 4 half-day sessions per week in 2008 and we added an afternoon session during the summer months.  During 2008, 16 children were enrolled in the LEAF Program.

 PATHS:  Positive Alternative Thinking Strategies was initiated during the summer of 2008.  PATHS opened our doors to children from Kindergarten to 8th grade by providing monitored activities to improve learning skills and provide a recreational/educational environment through the summer months.  In its first year, PATHS was attended by 37 students.  Parent’s feedback on the positive outcomes of the PATHS program prompted Sycamore to continue it as an after-school program.  Sycamore will continue this valuable program to focus on enhancing academic performance, raising test scores, increasing comprehension and improving information retention.  Enrolled students found success in 2008 through their participation in this non-traditional academic setting through individualized study plans.

 For more information or information on how to enroll, please contact our Children’s Services Division at (317) 745-7503.