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The term “early intervention” refers to an array of specialized programs and related resources that are made available by health care professionals to the child with Down syndrome. These health care professionals may include special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. It is recommended that stimulation and encouragement be provided to children with Down syndrome.
Children's Developmental Services Agencies
Infant Toddler Program (Part C - birth to age 3)
The Infant-Toddler Program is a variety of agencies working together to provide early intervention services for children ages birth to three who have special needs and their families. Early intervention services help young children grow and develop and support their families in caring for them.
Principles of the Infant-Toddler Program
To promote the importance of families in guiding the services of children with special needs, the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program believes that:
- A child develops best if viewed first as a child, rather than as a child with special needs.
- Children and families grow and develop, so services should change to meet their needs and choices.
- As children are best supported within the family, the family is best supported within the community.
- Children with special needs are best served in settings that are used by all children.
- Family beliefs and values are important, as is the cultural (religious, ethnic, and racial) background of the family.
- Teamwork among families and service providers guides services
BLUE RIDGE (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey)
Susy Maciel
susy.maciel@dhhs.nc.gov,
Children’s Developmental Services of the Blue Ridge
2359 Hwy 105
Boone NC 28607
Phone: 828-265-5391
Fax: 828-265-5394
CHARLOTTE (Mecklenburg)
John Ellis, PhD, Director
John.Ellis@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Children’s Developmental Services Agency of Mecklenburg County
Carlton G. Watkins Center
3500 Ellington Street
Charlotte NC 28211
Phone: 704-336-7100
Fax: 704-336-2423
CONCORD (Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Stanly, Union)
Gale Coor, Director
gale.coor@dhhs.nc.gov,
Children’s Developmental Services Agency
1065 Vinehaven Drive
Concord NC 28025
State Courier # 05-06-04
Phone: 704-786-9181
Fax: 704-792-9198
MORGANTON/HICKORY (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell)
Wilson Hamer, Director
Wilson.Hamer@ncmail.net
Children’s Developmental Services Agency
517-E West Fleming Drive
Morganton NC 28655
Phone: 828-432-5430
Fax: 828-432-5445
SHELBY (Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Polk, Rutherford)
Thomas McGhee, Director
thomas.mcghee@dhhs.nc.gov,
Children’s Developmental Services Agency
1429 East Marion Street Suite 5
Shelby NC 28150
State Courier # 06-52-07
Phone: 704-480-5440 or 704-480-5480
Fax: 704-480-5477 or 704-480-5507
Maggie Panther, MA, CCC-SLP
maggie.panther@dhhs.nc.gov,
852 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: 828-251-6091
Fax: 828-251-6911