Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

For more information about our Early Childhood Services please contact:

Fran Porcaro
Director of Educational Services
phone
(914) 327-3227
ext. 106
fporcaro@
westchesterarc.org

The Children's School for Early Development
40 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200

Información en Español


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Early Intervention:

Success Through Support

When Chris and Michelle learned they were going to have a baby, the couple was filled with joy, enthusiasm and excitement.

“Nine months seemed like an eternity. We couldn’t wait for our daughter to arrive,” recalls Michelle.

Finally, on a warm May morning, Mia Grace entered the world—nine days early.

Mia and Michelle cheer on the Harvey School football team.

“I thought I was prepared,” Michelle continues. “but I was prepared for her to come 9 days later. I kept thinking about all the stuff I needed to do at work and at home, but the reality of a baby’s arrival reprioritizes everything. Then, our doctor told us Mia had Down syndrome. I knew it was a possibility, but again the reality of the situation changes everything. We are usually so informed about things and do research on everything we do. We felt really ignorant about this.”

The next few days weren’t easy. Mia had trouble eating and couldn’t pass urine, which meant additional time in the hospital. But additional medical tests brought good news, since she
had a strong heartbeat and good muscle tone, areas often affected by Down syndrome. In a week’s time,
she pulled out her own IV and began feeding from a bottle. Then, after wetting down the scale while being weighed, she was discharged from the hospital.

Upon bringing their daughter home, Chris and Michelle were greeted with a strong support network, comprised of family, friends and two lovable dogs. For additional support, they called on Westchester Arc’s early intervention services.

Available through The Children’s School for Early Development, Westchester Arc’s early intervention is a highly focused program that combines special education, social work, speech, physical and occupational therapies to help children who are three and younger develop communication and motor skills.

Mia shows off her smile.

Structured home visits help Mia build speech patterns and increase her sensory awareness. Activities range from peek-a-boo, meant to enhance her hand/eye coordination and reflexes, to “mat-time,” an exercise regimen that tones muscles.

Often, therapists used common household items, such as plastic straws and shoe laces, to stimulate movement in Mia’s mouth and improve coordination.
“Mia’s therapists show us simple playtime activities that we can do every day to encourage Mia’s development. At four months old, she was eating baby food with special plastic spoons that are flatter and easier for her to get food off of,” notes Michelle. “After a year of early intervention, she is crawling, pulling herself up to stand and is starting to cruise the furniture. Mia’s also more aware of her surroundings—she even knows where the dogs’ water dish is!”

Chris, Michelle and Mia also attend monthly support sessions, sponsored by The Children’s School and P.A.C.D.S. (Parent Assistance Committee on Children with Down Syndrome), where they share experiences and parenting tips with similar families.

“Westchester Arc is the perfect support system,” adds Michelle. “Staff are knowledgeable, friendly and offer great advice. Thanks to Westchester Arc’s help, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to support us. And we have made many new friends who can help us celebrate this adorable, special child.”

Mia celebrates her first Easter.