Via’s Early Intervention program is staffed by highly qualified and experienced professionals from a variety of disciplines. Via’s speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special 
instruction teachers and speech teachers work with children in their natural environments (homes, daycares, etc.) to meet the individual needs of each child and their families.
Children are assessed by each team member to determine their strengths. A plan is developed that helps each child learn and grow according to their needs and abilities.
Via’s Early Intervention program offers:
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Highly trained professional staff of speech, occupational and physical therapists and special education teachers
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Community-based delivery (in home and childcare settings)
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Team-based approach
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A plan designed to meet child’s individual needs
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Family training
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Parent network and support group
“Via provides reinforcement of techniques and skills so we can see the ideas working. They provided strategies for working with my child that fits his needs.”
- Parent of Child in Via’s Early Intervention Program |
Special Instruction (SI)
Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) address all areas of a child’s development focusing on their individual learning style. Working with the parents or caregivers, an EIS implements a plan that assists a child in their ability to play and interact in their environment. A child’s capacity to understand the world around them, learn independence and communicate and interact with others is some of the areas addressed by an Early Intervention Specialist.
Speech Therapy (ST)
Speech Therapists focus on development of skills that enable a child to express themselves and understand others. Speech Therapists encourage natural development of communication skills like babies locating sounds and responding to language, and making their first sounds or gestures. Muscle development of the mouth and face is necessary to facilitate speech and eating skills. A Speech Therapist looks at how a child is using their muscles and works to improve “oral-motor” skills for better eating and speech.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapists focus on how a child receives and uses input from their senses (vision, hearing, touch and movement). By working with this “sensory-motor” development, children acquire “fine motor” skills, such as use of the eyes and hands together, so the environment is more accessible and fun. Fine motor skills are used for play, feeding, dressing and school activities.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical Therapists work with children to develop gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, climbing stairs or riding a bike. Therapists also work to improve children’s ability to maintain good body posture and move through their environment safely.
Early Intervention Manager
The manager is responsible for keeping the Early Intervention program running smoothly. They are the first contact between the county and Via and process information coming to insures it is forwarded to the appropriate people. The manager monitors every child’s file and obtains necessary paperwork as is required by state regulations.
Early Intervention Director
The Director is responsible for the operation of all children’s programs at Via. Insuring the highest standards are maintained in Via’s services, the Director works with staff to promote best practices in all aspects of work with Via’s families. The Director represents Via on committees, coalitions and coordinating bodies throughout the region keeping current on regulations and policies and the development of new options for families.
For more information, contact:
Marisa Nimtien, Director of Children's Services
m.nimtien@vianet.org
• 484-893-5379
