Sherman -- The fifth annual Kids Entertaining Kids events is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2013, Sherman Municipal Ballroom, 405 North Rusk, Sherman. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) will receive the funds raised from the event.
The event is being planned for the enjoyment of the whole family. It will give kids the opportunity to see other kids giving of their talents to improve the lives of other kids who have developmental delays. Area business will have the opportunity to become sponsors and donors to the event. Anyone wishing to receive more information about sponsorship or donating to the silent auction should call 903-957-4865. The funds raised from this event will help provide services and help families.
ECI provides services each year to almost 650 infants and children; who reside in Cooke, Fannin, Grayson, Delta, Lamar, and Hopkins counties; and are in age from birth to three years old. Texoma Community Center is the host agency for the program and the Early Childhood Intervention Division of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides its funding.
The family is the first source of strength and help for their child with
developmental delays and ECI partners with the entire family through providing information, services, support, and hope. These children have varied problems and needs. The program is designed to encourage and assist parents with an infant or a child who appears to be slow in development or has medical conditions that usually result in developmental delay. The program provides developmental therapy and support services for infants, children, and their families.
Services include:
. screening, assessment, and referral
. providing developmental services in home and community-based
settings
. related services such as: occupational, speech, and/or physical
therapy
. family support and training
. special equipment, toy, book, and video lending library
. service coordination for the child and family
. referral and transition services
. other services specific to child and family needs
The developmental therapy segment is a homebound and/or community-based training program. It is designed to help children who have poor learning skills, poor cognitive skills, delays in gross and/or fine motor abilities, delays in speech and language, hearing or sight impairment, poor social and emotional development, and certain medical conditions that are likely to result in developmental delay. Related services include, but not limited to: physical therapy, speech therapy, developmental services, nutritional services, behavioral intervention, guidance from the staff nurse, and development and use of adaptive equipment and clothing.
Parents are provided with education and guidance that helps them develop and maintain a positive attitude and learn coping skills. Basic parenting skills are taught as well as information on the special needs of their child.
Underwriting for the event has been funded through the Clara B. and W. Aubrey Smith Charitable Foundation. The Trinity River Chapter of Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans is providing a $1,600 matching grant.