Navigating the transition after your child ages out of early intervention can be an overwhelming time for parents. It is a pivotal moment where the right decision can lead to monumental strides in your child’s development. Yet, with so many options available, how can you ensure that you’re choosing the best path forward?
Post-Early Intervention Options
When children graduate from early intervention programs, parents are often poised with the decision between traditional preschool with IEP supports or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Traditional Preschool
Traditional preschool settings offer a rich environment for social and educational growth, placing emphasis on learning through play. Children engage with peers in a less structured environment, fostering social skills and independence. However, for some children, particularly those with developmental concerns, the traditional preschool experience may not provide the tailored support they need. Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans can help but may be somewhat restrictive on what your child may qualify for with the program.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
For many children, ABA therapy is a life-changing program, helping to develop a wide range of skills from communication to self-help. Its customizable nature allows therapists to create personalized programs addressing each child’s unique challenges and goals. ABA therapy is typically a 1:1 intervention which can limit a child’s peer interactions and ABA’s focus on behaviors can limit a child’s skill building in domains that can be further supported by Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy. While ABA therapy can be carried out in conjunction with preschool programs, finding facilities that integrate both educational models can be difficult.
Introducing Blue Bird Day!
Enter Blue Bird Day—a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program designed for children who have aged out of early intervention yet still require consistent developmental support. At the heart of Blue Bird Day’s mission is a blend of therapeutic and educational strategies that foster independence, social-emotional development, sensory regulation, and continued skill development.
A Comprehensive Approach
The program maintains a multidisciplinary team—including behavior, occupational, speech, physical, and developmental therapists, as well as social workers and nutritionists—all working collaboratively to support your child’s transition into school-aged services.
Dedicated Support for Diverse Needs
The uniqueness of Blue Bird Day lies in its capacity to tailor services to the distinct needs of each child, ensuring that whether your child has mild developmental concerns or more complex needs, they receive the customized attention that allows them to thrive.
Finding the right next step for your child as they transition from early intervention is crucial. With its comprehensive services and evidenced-based, child-centered approach, Blue Bird Day stands out as an innovative option for parents seeking a blended therapeutic-educational model. By choosing Blue Bird Day, you grant your child access to a unique continuum of care primed to equip them with the skills needed for the next chapter in their growth and development.
Parents interested in learning more about how Blue Bird Day can support their child’s unique developmental trajectory are encouraged to explore our website or contact our team today. Together, we can create a tailored plan that aligns with your child’s individual needs and prepares them for a future filled with achievement and joy.
Blue Bird Day fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2-7 years in therapeutic rotations that simulate preschool and kindergarten settings. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.
We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.
Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well.
Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!
