What is Bridges at The Therapy Place?
The Bridges Program is a collaborative transdisciplinary approach to child development and early intervention. It is a preschool for children with a wide variety of developmental delays.
What does transdisciplinary mean?
Transdisciplinary means that whole team works together to discuss goals, progress, and problem solve. This approach ensures that the whole child and all of their needs are being met. This team includes the child’s therapists, early interventionist, teachers, and especially parents. We want parents to be an active member of the team and making decisions about your child’s education. Transdisciplinary goes a step further than people from multiple disciplines working with your child. It is actively and constantly adjusting methods, exercises, and approaches to meet your child’s individual needs.
Is my child right for the Bridges Program?
IT DEPENDS, We accept candidates with developmental delays that need help with independence and getting ready for kindergarten. Children in the program have delays in one or more of the following areas: gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, and adaptive skills. Diagnoses include Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and global developmental delay. Typically, children in the program are ages 2-5 years old.
How long is the Bridges day?
Children in the program can attend under three scheduling options:
1. Full-Time: 8:30-2:30 Mon-Fri
2. Part-Time: 8:30-12 Mon-Fri
3. Part-time: 8:30-2:30 3 days/week (your choosing)
Do I provide food and snacks?
YES, Due to each child’s individual needs, allergies and likes/dislikes, parents provide food for snack and lunch. We have utensils, refrigerator, and a microwave. At times, your child’s therapist may provide food for therapy purposes.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
NO, It is not required that your child be potty trained. We work on potty training when the child is showing signs of readiness and when the parent agrees to address the behavior at home as well. We have a child’s-size bathroom off of our classroom to assist in potty training and independence. Check out The Potty Journey: Guide to Toilet Training Children with Special Needs, Including Autism and Related Disorders for more information and resources on help with potty training children with special needs.
Do children nap during the day?
NOT USUALLY, Because we have children of different ages, we do not offer an official nap time. There is a quiet time after lunch. Some children may doze off and are allowed to continue their slumber. This is something that can be specifically discussed with the Bridges staff.
