KenCrest Pennsylvania Birth-To-5 Mission

Services We Provide

KenCrest’s Birth-to-5 program works together with families in supporting their young child with developmental delays. Early Intervention provides supports and services to help each child grow and develop to their fullest potential. Our staff has been supporting young children and their families for over 100 years, and we know how important it is to listen to families and what their concerns are for their child.

For children ages birth to 3 in the five Pennsylvania counties we serve, we provide the following:

• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Special Instruction
• Nutrition
• Hearing
• Vision
• Behavioral Supports
• Psychological Services (Philadelphia Only)

For children ages 3 to 5, we provide Special Instruction services in Delaware County. In Montgomery County, we provide Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy services. These services are coordinated through the Intermediate Unit of those counties.

What Sets KenCrest Apart

KenCrest staff uses a coaching model when supporting parents/caregivers. Our practices involve collaborating with parents/caregivers, family members, and child care or pre-school teachers. We work together to identify the specific concerns of the parent/caregiver and then develop an individualized plan for their child. As a team, we identify the strategies that will enhance their child’s development, strategies that can be easily implemented into the child’s daily routines. We begin our work once the parents/caregivers in collaboration with the early intervention team identify goals for their child.

Through our Early Intervention services, families are confident in supporting their young child at home and in the community. All Early Intervention services are provided in the child’s home, child-care setting, or in the community (playground, library, etc.). We encourage families to practice the strategies when they are out in the community as well as at home so that their child can participate in activities with others and learn to be successful with developmental issues that were once challenging.

Additionally, our Birth-to-5 Home- and Community-Based Interventionists widened their scope of practice by developing trauma-informed lenses. Our interventionists participate in a training series focusing on content developed by Lakeside Global Institute, Trauma Smart and the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) Program. Those participating in the series receive an overview of the research and tools available to develop a deeper understanding of why it is important to view a child’s challenging behavior with new lenses, and understand how trauma can change a child’s coping behaviors. This enhances our work in coaching parents/caregivers to support their child in their home and community settings.

Referrals for Early Intervention Services

Parents who have questions or concerns about their child’s development may call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288 or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website.

Parents with a child who qualifies for Early Intervention services can request KenCrest as their provider through the county in which they live.

Cost

All Early Intervention Services are free of charge to families with children who qualify for services. The county in which a family lives covers the cost of services.

Teleintervention Services During COVID-19: Success Stories

Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began, KenCrest adapted the way we provide some Early Intervention services with use of technology. Instead of meeting face-to-face with families, our therapists and instructors used online platforms like Zoom, GoToMeeting, and FaceTime to have virtual therapy sessions so that children could continue to improve. Click here to read a few of the teleintervention success stories.

Three-Year-Old, Oskar, Beginning to Thrive with Early Intervention Services from KenCrest

Oskar with his mother, Jewely.

When Oskar was not quite two years old, his pediatrician recommended to his mother, Jewely, that he get some therapy through KenCrest because he was not meeting developmental milestones. Oskar was not blabbering; his speech was delayed; he wasn’t recognizing his name; and he was in his own little world. So Jewely contacted the Early Intervention program at KenCrest. He began receiving occupational therapy services from Joan, a little over one year ago, along with services from a Special Instructor (Catey), and most recently, he began speech therapy.

Oskar with Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristy

In the beginning, Oskar received his services virtually, because it was during the height of the pandemic. Oskar was also diagnosed by a physician with autism and mixed receptive and expressive language disorder. So Oskar’s Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristy, has been working with him to use non-verbal communication tools like sign language, cards with pictures on them, and pointing to communicate his wants and needs. With OT and speech sessions one time each week, Oskar is making great progress, and his mother couldn’t be happier.

“I think he’s doing wonderfully,” said Jewely. “He’s progressing so much because of Early Intervention. His therapists gave me the skills to be able to help my son be successful, especially during COVID. Oskar is now eating a wider variety of foods and communicating non-verbally. I just feel so fortunate to have such great therapists for Oskar, and I look forward to continuing to watch him excel.”

Oskar’s Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristy, echoes Jewely’s sentiments and compliments Jewely’s work with Oskar as well. “Jewely has done an amazing job incorporating strategies into her daily life and routines,” said Kristy. “It’s been great seeing Oskar demonstrate understanding and use a few words to communicate with his family.”

Resources

Click here for a list of resources for Early Intervention services and for individual county websites.

Testimonials