Hello… As I hear myself talking about these with you, I will try to add info here. These are GENERAL expectations and subjects that don’t always come up.

• You are the expert of your child. We are fortunate to live in a county who values and supports FAMILY FIRST. If your Service Coordinator doesn’t know the answer to something (which is rare), s/he will find out.
• My/our schedules are VERY full. Providers sometimes feel like we are flying from one family to the next, trying to stay a little longer when we feel like we need to ,to help support you, or because conversation leads to more questions.
• I appreciate your patience. It seems sometimes that I should be able to just go around the corner to Grama’s this week… just across the town (have you even done that in Macedon or Webster? it’s a hall!! .. PLEASE know that I always TRY to rearrange or ask other families to switch. I get it. I have a family too.
  • 3-4 mins however is a closer to a 10 min change for me (I have to drive ‘back’ too)… and may not be in my route. 10 mins is a third of a session and then it snowballs.
  • Some providers are those who just show up when they are able and prefer not to have a set time. I try to hold to at least some sort of a schedule, Valuing your time and trying to stay if you need a little extra support.
• Did I say I appreciate your flexibility?
• I try to attend your meetings when able. My availability dictates that. I try my best to be respectful of districts and county meetings. However-If I attended them all, I would never see your kids. Most districts and ALL service coordinators are flexible. I try to write the report and send an extra email to the chairperson ahead of time. It’s not perfect- mostly because the agency that I work for does not allow for meeting time.
• Early Intervention IS ABLE to work during public schools breaks. I typically try to for most of the breaks.

Here’s some IMPORTANT things…It’s ALOT… but necessary

I hate that I have to write these things, but I have been in many situations where families simply don’t realize that corporal punishment ,ie spanking, is seen as inappropriate and danger to a child. A gentle warning if you do use spanking.

I am a mandated reporter (as are your county people, teachers, doctors, etc) – this means in short, that if I witness, hear, or find in anyway that a child is or has been in danger or been maltreated in any way- I am OBLIGATED BY LAW to call CPS hotline. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL and NOT personal or a JUDGEMENT of your parenting.

If I fail to report -then I am culpable. I won’t risk a child’s safety or my licenses that I’ve worked hard for.

If a child reveals to me (or again read above… if I witness) that they have been hit, kicked, or otherwise physically, emotionally, sexually, or abused or maltreatment in any way… I call. IT IS NOT up to me to decide if there will be action taken or not- that’s up to the ‘system’. I report concerns according to state, ethics boards, national. county guidelines. And my conscience.

If you have chosen to use spanking as a punishment in your household- although I may guide you to use alternative methods, I understand that some families do adhere to this disciple technique… HOWEVER… read carefully:

Again, If I witness even a push, spank, yank, hit… etc (you get it–of course we’re not talking during play) I must and will call. MOST of the time, unless I feel in danger (yup it happens), I will call with you present and/or at least let you know that I will be calling. Please, it’s not a threat. It’s all about protection of children. And it’s the law.

ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC….

Often times providers (including me) are just not a good match for your family. PLEASE talk to your Service Coordinator… or I would appreciate a personal heads-ups if you’re able. It may be a simple fix- or something you want me to not do or say according to your culture. We live in a time where providers are scarce– but you DO have choices!

HERE’S SOME POSITIVE:

I do expect that families have some ‘skin in the game’. I can feed you resources and ideas… suggestions (I have more that you’ll ever know-or care to know). But one thing I typically refrain from is printed out or giving materials. With Amazon and family/friend supports, free things.. and SAVER AND GOODWILL… I am certain that most can get something if they want/need.

However…. *****IF YOU PRINT (a reasonable amount) of pictures or visuals– I WILL LAMINATE THEM FOR YOU. Let me know and I’ll bring the machine. It’s fast and you can do it during therapy!!*****

IF YOU TRULY are NOT able to get out or if you are struggling—Please LET ME KNOW AND I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN.

No PRINTER and want to use visual aids PECS/AAC (I generally recommend to all families btw)?????… try STAPLES

*stay tuned… I”m sure there’s more to come!