BROOKLYN’S BABY STEPS TO
   Growing Up

Just like many first-time parents, Crystal and Jared searched for a quality child care facility that provided extra activities, like reading and music for their 11-month-old daughter Brooklyn. Fortunately, The Creative Early Care and Learning Center was there to help. This center provides care for three-week-old to three-year-old children as part of the School Readiness 0 to 3 program. Crystal chose it after observing other facilities because she felt each child was genuinely content and received superior care. Primary caregivers are assigned to each child to ensure consistent care and compatibility. It allows the caregivers to develop a strong relationship with each child and parent.

After a month of enrollment, Brooklyn was diagnosed with sensory and motor delays. She would not sleep, remained in one position, and did not like other children around her.

“The primary caregiver program assisted in Brooklyn’s progress. The staff and program nurse worked closely to encourage her gross motor skills, which ultimately put her on the right track toward her developmental age target,” said Dawn Speaks, Program Manager of School Readiness 0-3 programs at SJCOE.

Lisa Klein, the center’s Director, and Robin Orr, SJCOE Nurse, made recommendations for further tests which led Brooklyn to start treatment at Valley Mountain Regional Center through the Ages and Stages program, a developmental assessment questionnaire. This program requires parental involvement and evaluates a child’s physical, social, cognitive development, and age appropriate progress.

“Lisa was so helpful. She eased our concerns by giving detailed answers to our questions and never pushed treatment or services,” said Crystal. “She understands the concerns of a parent.”

During the following months, Brooklyn participated in various methods of therapy all the while her parents remained involved.

“We hope to get her ready and caught-up before school starts,” said Orr. “It could have grown into a larger problem if it was not diagnosed when it was.”

Now at 17-months-old, caregivers and parents have witnessed Brooklyn’s improvements. “Within the past fi ve-months, Brooklyn has completely changed,” said Klein. “In the beginning she couldn’t swallow a Cheerio, but after working on her refl exes she is now eating real food.” Noticed by all, Brooklyn is more interactive and independent, as well as an avid walker. She began making friends and has learned to share with others.

Parents, Crystal and Jared added, “The whole process has been very exciting because we can now do more with Brooklyn. We credit her continuous success to the center.”

The center is subcontracted through SJCOE’s Early Childhood Education and is the result of collaboration between Creative Child Care, Inc., Family Resource and Referral Center, SJCOE’s Comprehensive Health Department, and First 5 San Joaquin.