Parents sometimes wonder: Is my baby keeping up with others his age? Is my toddler developing normally? Is my preschooler learning and growing as she/he should be?
Region VI Right Track Program and the James River Special Education Cooperative said parents and other important people in the lives of a child who might have a concern about an area of a child's development or functioning may make one telephone call and refer the child for a screening. This will allow a trained person, or team, to look at the child's development and functioning levels compared to others of the same age and assist the family in addressing areas that might need more attention.
Region VI Right Track Program and the James River Special Education Cooperative said Right Track is a free program for families with children up to age 2. This age is targeted as children experience their greatest level of growth and development during the first three years of their life. Right Track provides a resource to the family so their child receives the best start in physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. For children, Right Track offers home visits to children birth through 2 years of age, developmental screenings and activities to enrich a child's development.
For families, the program provides information on their child's growth and development, information on various childhood concerns such as sleep, nutrition, and the managing of their behaviors, support to parents as the child's first and most important teacher, and information and re-sources in order to help families make informed choices about programs and services
For communities, the program offers connections with community resources, partnerships with agencies to coordinate services for families and children, and referrals to local, state and national organizations for educational and health information as well as support.
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To learn more about Right Track or to make a referral, call 252-2131, or go to the Web site www.richmanassociates.net .
Anyone who knows of a child age 3-5 who seems to not be developing or functioning at the same level of his peers may contact the James River Special Education Cooperative in James-town, 252-3376, which is the central referral point for children in that age group. A coordinator will visit with the caller about concerns and a screening may be arranged with one of the unit personnel. Parental permission is needed before any screening. Those who do not have access to long distance dialing may contact a local superintendent and he/she will then contact the Special Education Office.
These services are available to all people in North Dakota. The only difference may be the person or place one needs to contact. A caller who reaches the wrong locality will be assisted in finding the right one. All services are free to children and their families.
The James River Special Education Cooperative serves the districts of Edgeley, Ellendale, Jamestown, Kulm, LaMoure, Litchville-Marion, Montpelier and Medina.
