Children FIRST strives to be a model program for the use of integrated peer learning in early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities. Understanding that children learn best from their typically developing peers, we have built an early intervention therapy preschool, and supportive in-home program, that has been successful for nearly 25 years. Our vision is to pioneer the growth of the field of integrated therapy preschools so that every child has an opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Core Values and Value Statements:
Child-Centered
We are dedicated to the individual needs of each child we serve. We set goals and create therapy plans that enable each child to reach their fullest potential. Family-Focused
We provide valuable resource connections, information, support and understanding to families raising and supporting children with special needs. Community-Based
We enhance our community by making an impact in the lives of the children and families we serve. For more than 20 years, Children FIRST Therapy, has been the only therapy program in the Spokane area offering an integrated preschool run by therapists who skillfully engage your child in their therapy work during their preschool activities and learning. Children FIRST Therapy is also a high-quality, successful preschool for typically developing children. In our program, therapist and early childhood specialists teach children with developmental disabilities and typically developing children the same curriculum that challenges each student to grow and reach their own fullest potential. Children FIRST serves the child’s parents and care givers as well; offering in-depth resource coordination and hands-on involvement in the child’s therapy. We also provide in home therapy sessions for children within our service area. For children in the East, West and Central Valley school districts, as well as the Spokane area, Children FIRST is the only integrated preschool and the best choice for your child’s success! At Children FIRST, we know how important it is to all of our parents that their child thrive, grow and become ready for their next step and we value that parents choose us to help prepare them for it. We aren’t just a preschool; we also provide additional sensory and movement therapy programs and family-centered, in-home therapy to help prepare children for preschool. Our full list of services includes:
In-Home Therapy Sessions
In-home therapy sessions are one of the best ways for a child to learn and receive therapy in their own natural environment. These sessions are typically offered for children birth to toddler ages as an introduction to physical, speech and occupational therapy and as preparation for transition to the toddler and preschool therapy groups offered by Children First Therapy. Therapists work with parents during in-home sessions to teach them therapy techniques and skills to enhance their child’s development during therapy and in between sessions. For children who attend childcare full time, in-childcare therapy sessions are also offered. Children First Therapy staff and therapists will work with the family and the childcare facility to arrange therapy sessions in the facility. Toddler Therapy Group
The Toddler Therapy group is a preschool preparation program for children with developmental disabilities designed to provide one-on-one and group therapy for children while preparing them to enter an integrated preschool therapy group. The Toddler Therapy group includes physical, speech and occupational therapy as well as special instruction in a child’s natural preschool environment. Parents participate in the group as well, learning important ways to continue therapy out of the classroom and into the home. Preschool Therapy Group
The Preschool Therapy group is Spokane’s only truly integrated preschool program where children with developmental disabilities receive group and individualized therapy in a typical preschool setting. In this preschool group, children receive their weekly therapies while learning traditional preschool concepts and methods alongside their typically developing peers. Our expert therapists will skillfully engage your child in one-on-one and group therapy work while they continue to engage in preschool activities and learning. PE for Tiny Tots
PE for Tiny Tots is an integrated gymnastics class where children work with two Children’s First therapists and a Spokane Gymnastics coach. In this class children spend time working in the gym with coaches on gross motor and theme based gymnastics where they receive one-on-one therapy support. They also spend time in a preschool classroom in a combination of one-on-one and group therapy time working on fine motor skills and sensory and speech activities. Sensory Group
The Sensory Group is an integrated group therapy program where children with Sensory Processing Disorder or sensory integrative concerns are given a safe opportunity to increase exposure to intense sensory experiences. Our talented occupational and speech therapists create opportunities through play and interaction on the gym equipment for children to improve their ability to tolerate sensory input which improves their ability to grow, play and develop normally. Family Resource Coordination
Children First Therapy provides Resource Coordination to all the families in our program. Our educated and experienced Family Resource Coordination (FRC) staff are a personal support system and connection for our families. They help families understand and access support resources for their child. FRC’s also assist families with completing and filing the necessary paperwork to access services and treatment. Evaluations
Children First Therapy provides comprehensive developmental assessment screenings for all children whose families inquire about developmental delays and needed services. Children are screened in every area of development but are also screened by a therapist who specializes in the area of greatest concern. We assess a child’s full development as well as the area of concern for delay or disability. Our expert therapists then evaluate a child’s assessment scores and work with the family to recommend a plan for treatment.
