The KIDS Program serves Southwest/South central North Dakota and includes the following counties: Region 8 Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark; Region 7 Burleigh, Morton, Grant, Oliver, Mercer, & Sioux. The learning that occurs for the young child is because of what happens between visits with a Primary Early Intervention Professional (PEIP). Children grow rapidly in the first three years of life. When delays are identified, early intervention can help parents enhance the development of their child. Supports and services are provided by Early Interventionists through visits with the child and parent or caregiver during their regular daily activities. The amount of support or services that a child and family receive depends on their needs. Visits can happen at a number of places such as the home, at a child's daycare, out in the community, or at a playground. Early Interventionists perform different roles such as a coach, instructor or direct service provider, and use a variety of intervention strategies over time. K.I.D.S. Early Intervention staff have a variety of professional backgrounds. These include: early chilhood special educator, general education, child development, social work, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. In addition to their professional training, staff also have knowledge of early childhood development, adult learning theory, and family and community systems. A child 0-3 years qualifies for Early Intervention services based on one of the following criteria:
Has a diagnosis or disability that impairs typical development. Has a significant health condition that puts them at high risk for developmental delays. Has vision or hearing loss. Displays a 50% delay in any area of development (cognition, fine motor, gross motor, self help, communication, or social emotional skills). Displays a 25% delay or more in any two areas of development. Early intervention at K.I.D.S. is a support and service program designed to help families with children with disabilities and/or developmental delays. The goal of the program is to improve a child's development and to increase involvement in family and community life. By partnering with families, Early Intervention provides them with the tools and support they need to help their child be successful. Participation in Early Intervention is voluntary. The program is built on the following beliefs:
Families are their child's first and best teacher. Information and emotional support help families care for their children. Services and supports are designed around and promote family strengths. Services and supports occur in the context of the child and family's day-to-day activities. Services and supports are individualized in an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).