Children Services

Early Intervention Program

The Early Intervention Program serves children from birth to age three. Therapies are provided by a certified teacher and developmental specialist to help each child reach their developmental milestones and to help parents participate in the development of their child.

Speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are provided as prescribed by a physician and are offered in the ERC Child Development Centers. Our program is based on a team approach so that families are provided with resources, support and knowledge needed to insure their child’s success. This approach teaches how to make daily activities "therapeutic."

The three primary reasons for intervening early with a child who is developmentally delayed are:

To enhance the child's development,
To provide support and assistance to the family, and
To maximize the child's and the family's benefit to society.

Child development research has established that the rate of human learning and development is most rapid in the preschool years.

Early identification and appropriate programming can help children develop their full potential. Early Intervention Services are provided in the child's home or in community-based settings and may include:

Developmental Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech/Language Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy
Parent/Caregiver Instruction and Consultation
Evaluations/Screenings

Developmental Checklist

"If it wasn't for the hard work and love from each of you, I would be lost! Thank you for loving him."
- Mother of an ERC preschool child with autism

Child Development Centers (CDC)

The Child Development Centers serve children from six weeks to six years of age who have been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability. These include prematurity, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome or seizure disorders, among others. We provide habilitation, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy in a preschool setting with a state-approved curriculum.

The mix of children with and without disabilities in a preschool setting prepares all of the children for a life in a community filled with diversity This wide range of learning styles and teaching options, the children enjoy days full of activities to help them fulfill their individual potential. Our goal for all children attending the Early Childhood Program is that they will be "school ready" when they enter kindergarten.

The Elizabeth Richardson Center's Early Childhood Program is highly individualized and provides the following services for each child enrolled:

Individualized Program Plans created by a team including teachers, therapists, parents, and anyone else directly involved with helping your child reach his or her full potential.
Teachers who are State Certified in Early Childhood Special Education and who have the knowledge, skill, and heart to work with you and your child to reach his or her full potential.
State Certified Case Managers who make initial contact with families and act as the program liaison throughout the time that your child participates in the ERC Early Childhood Program.
Physical Therapy to increase large motor skills.
Occupational Therapy to increase small motor skills.
Speech/Language Therapy to increase speech aptitude and language skills.
Recreational Activities to help children learn to play.
Community Integration which places children in the most natural setting for them to learn and explore.

Our Locations

Fayetteville
Child Development Center (CDC)

1760 N. Woodland Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703

Phone: 479-443-4420
Fax: 479-443-0547

Huntsville
Child Development Center (CDC)

913 N. College
Huntsville, AR 72740

Phone: 479-738-1751
Fax: 479-738-1752

Siloam Springs
Child Development Center (CDC)

1300 N. Patriot
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Phone: 479-373-6488
Fax: 479-373-6384

If you think your child may have a developmental delay, or if they are not meeting their developmental milestones, call the location nearest you for information on a free developmental screening.

“Since Hannah started therapy at ERC, she has grown by leaps and bounds. Their dedication to facilitating therapies that feed her independence and excitement to explore the world around her has been invaluable. Thank you falls short when describing how we feel about the time she has spent at ERC.” -Hannah’s mother, Amber