The Early Childhood Program for infants/toddlers (birth-three) who are blind/visually impaired provides services to families in the natural environment (home-based). At the heart of the Early Childhood Program B/VI is the facilitator/teacher. Services are tailored to the family's needs and encompass information in the following areas of learning:

• Literacy
• Growth and Development
• Concept Development
• Early Orientation and Mobility Concepts
• Understanding the implications of the child's specific visual impairment to development
• Encouraging development of play skills through observation and use of multi-sensory adaptive toys/objects
• Providing information regarding workshops, conventions, networking or other learning opportunities that the parents may be interested in attending

Working with the family, the Community Center Board service coordinator, and other service providers, the Early Childhood Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) help to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which will meet the needs of the family as well as help encourage the child's development.

A referral is accepted from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, a medical doctor, a local Part C team, and/or the family. Currently, the Early Childhood Program B/VI is serving families in 5 counties in the southern region of Colorado. Early intervention services continue until a smooth transition to preschool services is accomplished.

For more information regarding our Early Childhood Program B/VI, please contact Louise Gettman, Teacher of the Visually Impaired.