CDSAs

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

Contacts:

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