Early Intervention Specialized Instruction provide families with remote or in-person support to address developmental and behavioral challenges their young children may face. Delivered by an Early Childhood Specialist, the sessions focus on empowering parents with practical strategies tailored to their child’s unique needs in areas such as communication using assistive techonolgy, social-emotional development, sensory processing, and adaptive skills.

Each remote session typically includes:

1. Developmental Guidance: Coaching is based on a thorough understanding of each child’s strengths, areas for growth, and individual learning style. Specialists provide insight into milestones and methods for encouraging skill development within daily routines.

2. Behavioral and Sensory Support: Families receive tools and strategies to address challenging behaviors and sensory needs. This can include ways to help children self-regulate, manage routines, and improve engagement, using structured play and sensory activities.

3. Parent Training and Role-Modeling: Specialists model techniques for parents during the session and guide them through hands-on practice with their child. Sessions focus on enhancing responsive interactions, such as increasing language opportunities through play and routines.

4. Goal-Setting and Progress Monitoring: Families collaborate with specialists to set realistic goals and assess progress over time. Each session reviews goals, identifies adjustments, and celebrates milestones to maintain progress.

5. Resource and Referral Guidance: Families are connected to additional community resources or specialists as needed. This helps parents access a well-rounded support network for their child’s development.

Therightfit’s remote parent coaching is designed to help families feel confident, supported, and equipped to meet their child’s needs effectively within the comfort of their own home.

Developmental Assessment with therightfit

Therightfit offers comprehensive developmental assessments for children from birth to age five, delivered directly in the family’s home or remotely, depending on family preference and needs. These assessments, which take approximately 5-6 hours to complete, provide an in-depth understanding of a child’s developmental skills across key domains, including cognitive, communication, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. Additionally, therightfit assessments include referrals for medical interventions and services where appropriate, ensuring families have access to essential resources to support their child’s developmental progress.

Specialized Training and Early Diagnosis

Therightfit’s specialists are trained in early diagnosis of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Beginning at 16 months, therightfit administers the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) when appropriate to screen for early signs of autism, providing timely identification and access to resources that can make a significant difference in outcomes for young children.

Assessment Process:

1. Initial Consultation: The assessment begins with an intake meeting to discuss parental concerns, family history, and the child’s strengths and needs. This consultation helps guide the focus of the assessment and prepares the family for the overall process.

2. Standardized Testing and Observations: Using evidence-based tools, such as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC-2), and the M-CHAT for autism screening, therightfit evaluates developmental milestones. Observational methods capture the child’s natural behavior and interaction style, providing a comprehensive picture of their abilities and needs.

3. Home-Based, Flexible Approach: Conducting assessments in the child’s home offers a comfortable setting, allowing for more natural observation of the child’s behavior and engagement. This approach minimizes disruptions and creates a supportive environment, especially helpful for children who may have sensory sensitivities or developmental delays.

4. Feedback, Reporting, and Referrals: Following testing, therightfit provides a comprehensive report detailing strengths and areas for growth across all developmental domains. The report includes specific recommendations and, if needed, referrals for medical interventions, specialized services, or additional developmental support.

5. Follow-Up Support: Families have the option of follow-up coaching to help integrate recommendations into their daily routines and monitor progress, ensuring ongoing support as the child’s needs evolve.

Remote and In-Person Options:

• In-Person Assessments: Conducted directly in the child’s home, these assessments allow for a more accurate and holistic view of the child’s development within their familiar environment.

• Remote Assessments: Available for families requiring remote services, assessments are completed via a secure video platform, with parent participation in specific tasks under specialist guidance.

Therightfit’s developmental assessments not only support early diagnosis and intervention but also connect families with appropriate medical and developmental resources, providing a comprehensive approach to foster each child’s growth and potential.

Educational Advocacy Services

As a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and a practicing non-attorney advocate, therightfit offers comprehensive educational advocacy services to families, focusing on supporting children’s needs within both school and home environments. With a deep understanding of case law, special education policies, and strategies that facilitate effective advocacy, therightfit ensures that children receive the support they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

therightfit works directly with families to draft formal letters, request appropriate assessments, and review educational and medical information that impacts their child’s learning experience. Observations of the child in their educational setting, combined with a detailed review of their educational records, inform our recommendations and strengthen the advocacy approach.

In collaboration with local Special Education Local Agencies (LEAs), therightfit supports families in understanding the full scope of services available, such as in-home support, private services, and structured interventions within school or private school settings. This includes advocating for 504 Plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), as well as implementing positive behavior support plans, requesting a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) as needed, drawing from experience as a behavior specialist to ensure strategies are individualized and effective.

therightfit actively collaborates with parent advocacy groups to enhance support and connect families with additional resources, ensuring parents feel informed and empowered throughout the advocacy process. Where needed, therightfit also refers families to special education attorneys, further expanding their access to specialized legal support. This holistic approach ensures that every child is well-positioned to succeed in an environment that meets their unique needs.