Why is early intervention important?

A study commissioned by the Florida state legislature shows that 60% of Florida’s children have risk factors for developmental delays. Often, those delays go unidentified until the early grades after the child has already experienced school failure. Don’t wait until kindergarten or later to discover if your child has a developmental delay that can affect his success in school. With early diagnosis and intervention in the preschool years, every child can have the chance to start school ready to learn and to achieve on a level with his peers.

We know the positive outcomes good early childhood services have on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of a child. More and more, research shows the positive effects such services have not just on the child but on the whole family. This impact extends into our communities through noticeable reductions in school drop out rates, health-care costs, demand for social services, and even crime rates.

What is Family Focus?

Family Focus is a FREE family-centered program for children ages 0-6 years throughout Pinellas County who have measurable developmental delays and their families. The program provides in-home early intervention services for the child, along with parent education, community resource information and family support services for parents.

Generous funding from the Juvenile Welfare Board – The Children’s Services Council of Pinellas County, FL. means that services received through Family Focus are FREE for families who qualify.

Eligibility Guidelines

A Family Focus Early Intervention teacher will administer a FREE developmental screening. The results of the screening will tell you whether your child has a developmental delay and will determine eligibility for participation in the Family Focus program.

Early intervention services are one hour each week with your child, including caregiver/child skill building activities and family support services if needed.

The Family Focus program is made possible through generous funding from the Juvenile Welfare Board – The Children’s Services Council of Pinellas County, FL. and Community Contributions.

Family Focus Behavior Program

The Family Focus Behavior Program is a new part of PARC Discovery Learning Center’s Early Intervention Homebound Program.

Children with developmental delays in the socio-emotional, communication, and cognitive domains are commonly linked with behavior concerns.

The program addresses children from 3-5 years with mild to moderate behavior challenges that interfere with optimal learning and/or heed positive social interaction with peers.

An initial screening will de done to determine eligibility for the program.

A teacher with Behavior Assistance training, overseen by a Certified Behavior Analyst, will work with the child and family.

Family participation is a necessary component to success.

A Family Behavior Goals Plan will be developed for each child and family involved and data will be gathered to measure success.

For more information about any of these services or to make a referral, please contact PARC Homebound Services at 727.345.9111 or email hb@parc-fl.org.