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Early Intervention Program Helps Prepare Little Ones
For a Successful Future

 The Lower Shore Early Intervention Program (LSEIP) has received funding for its second year from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Serving children ages birth to five, their parents and child care providers, the program is designed to improve challenging behaviors, promote healthy emotional and social development, and maintain child care placements. According to the MSDE, “The care and nurturing given children before they enter elementary school is critical to their development.” School readiness is also a key part of the Lower Shore Early Intervention Program. Together with parents and child care providers, the Early Intervention Team works to prepare young kids for kindergarten in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. MSDE says: “Children who succeed in school do well in life. It is a shared responsibility of parents and providers to furnish optimal care for children so they will grow to be happy and healthy adults. The care and nurturing given children before they enter elementary school is critical to their development.” Parents and/or child care providers can contact the Early Intervention Team with concerns about a child. Once parent consent has been received, the Early Intervention Team will assess the child in the child care setting and at home to identify troubling behaviors and possible environmental concerns. The Team will then provide brief intervention strategies, education and information, and/or community referrals for continued support and assistance. “We want to help others set the foundation for promoting early and positive self-esteem in young children,” says Margo Takacs, LSEIP Behavior Interventionist. “One of our goals is to help make sure children have the emotional resilience they need to succeed in school and life.” Another service offered through the program is a new telephone “warm line” that parents and child care providers can call for guidance with challenging behaviors. Information on mental health issues, early childhood development, and community resources are also available through the ‘warm line.’ The number to the LSEIP Warm Line is: 410-677-6590, and is answered from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Trainings for child care providers and parents on mental health topics will also be provided monthly. Information on trainings is available at: www.lowershoreccrc.org. The Lower Shore Early Intervention Program is a part of the Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center (LSCCRC) at Salisbury University, located at the East Campus Complex in Salisbury. For more information, contact the Lower Shore Early Intervention Program at: 410-677-6590. Written by Karen Goldman, Director LSCCRC