• Center-Based Services This inclusive, enrichment-based program serves children with special needs as well as typically developing children in a warm, family-friendly preschool setting at two licensed centers. We support each child’s individual needs in a blended classroom where they learn and play with children with diverse needs and abilities. Our program is provided in two formats: a preschool enrichment classroom and a parent and child preschool classroom (Mommy-N-Me). All classes have a 1:1, 1:2, or a 1:3 teacher/student ratio depending on the needs of the child and how much support they need in the classroom. Much like a traditional preschool, our program provides socialization activities, outdoor play, healthy meals and field trips, along with occupational, physical and speech therapy for children who qualify for individual therapy. With the help of our licensed therapist, we integrate language enriched and functional skill activities into our classroom curriculum. Our Center-Based program is also a training facility in association with local universities. Students complete training on site.
• Home-Based Services Our home educators provide early childhood education along with parent education in the home on a weekly or monthly basis. After assessing a family’s needs, our staff creates a personalized service plan that can include early education, parent education, occupational/speech/physical therapies, medical assessment and medical services – all provided in the home.

• Speech and Language Therapy Speech and language therapy is designed for children with language processing disorders, hearing loss, language delays, stuttering and voice or articulation disorders. Licensed Speech Therapists help each student learn to communicate more effectively in all areas of their lives. Services may include articulation, language processing, auditory processing and use of language.
• Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy focuses on supporting development through play-based activities and individual interventions to enhance fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and self-regulation, in addition to feeding, play and social interactions.

To help ensure each child’s success, we provide specialized education to their parents and family along with the best community-based resources and support.

• Family Support Services teach families how to better advocate for their child and how they can participate in the services their child is receiving from ECF. We provide parent support groups, legal aid referrals, one-on-one social work support, immigration assistance, crisis counseling, marriage and family counseling, mental health and medical care and on-site emergency food pantries.
• Parent Trainings on special topics are offered at our centers and at locations in the community. These trainings are open to the public and and help prepare families to enter the public school system. Trainings are provided by attorneys, client rights advocates, social workers, Department of Education consultants, and medical support staff, among others.

All Early Start services are provided by culturally competent and bilingual staff who can effectively work with families speaking Armenian, Farsi, Russian, and Spanish.

For more information on the Early Start program,
please contact Gabriela Kayacan at gkayacan@ecf.net.

Vendor Numbers:
Center-Based H00706
Home-Based IDP H06910
Clinic Therapy ST/OT PX0706
Home-Based Therapy ST/OT PX0705