Early Intervention Specialist

EEXCEPTIONAL PARENTS UNLIMITED
4440 North First Street Fresno, California 93726 [phone] Fax: [phone]
OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30am-5:00pmContacts: Jill Harkness-Intake/Transition Coordinator Jessica Conzen-Early Intervention Specialist
The Mission of EPU:
EPU's mission is to strengthen and empower children and families facing extraordinary medical, developmental, and parenting challenges.
We do this by:
Promoting development of infants/children w/special medical, developmental or emotional needs
Supporting & assisting parents in the understanding, knowledge and skills needed to help themselves & their children experience success at home and in the community
Supporting development
of parent-child relationships for social/emotional development
Strengthening the relationships between parents and professionals
Collaborating w/other agencies to support the creation of inclusive, family centered services that are responsive and welcoming to all children and parents.
OUR VISION:
Our vision is that children grow up in families in which their individual needs are met; their parents have confidence in themselves and their ability to meet the needs of all family members and have a sense of comfort with their personal situations that brings forth an internal sense of empowerment.
Family Resource Center program:
Parent to Parent Support Groups-concerns about the development of their children
Teen /Young Adult Groups-w/disabilities hang out, meet friends & learn new skills
Hospital Support-provides info for parents who have had a child with a disability
Advocacy -for parents to help w/educational, social, or medical needs for their child
Workshops/Trainings-understanding Individual Educational Plans & ADD/ADHD
Family Resource Center Library-computers and books to provide information
Community Outreach-for families to share stories w/professionals & student groups
The Assessment Center For Children:
The Assessment Center for Children at Exceptional Parents Unlimited assesses children whose parents have concerns about their child's learning, development, and/or behavior. The center is staffed by medical, mental health, and other professionals from several different
agencies.
In addition to EPU, other participating agencies include:
Central Valley Regional Center *
Fresno Unified School District *
Fresno County Employment and Temporary Assistance*
Fresno County Department of Children and Family Services
Prior to being seen at the Assessment Center for Children, parents/caregivers are asked to complete several forms in order to obtain information about their child.
* Assessment services provided by these agencies are done at no charge.

The Play and Grow program:
The Play and Grow Program at EPU provides play groups for families who are currently participating in any of EPU's programs.
Learning About Parenting Workshops:
Life Skills - promotes education for healthier living for parents
Nurturing Parenting - Skill building activities
Substance Abuse & Education - support for parents recovering from substance abuse
Smoking Cessation Course - 8-week course for families.
The Infant Family Program:
The Infant Family Program at EPU provides support to families and assistance to infants born with disabilities or conditions that are known to impact development. Services are based on the unique needs of each child and family and are guided by an Individual Family Service Plan .
Staff:
The Infant Family Program is staffed by many different professional disciplines:
Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical/Speech Therapy, and Nursing
Services:
The Infant Family Program at EPU provides a wide range of services:
Home visits, Parent to parent support groups, Parenting classes, Hospital to home support, Transition assistance when your child reaches age three, Play and Grow groups for infants and children that focus on language and socialization: Community based services in the family's natural environment including child care setting, Developmental assessments, Speech and language assessments Feeding groups and evaluations, Sensory integration, evaluation, and intervention Motor skill evaluation and therapy, and Transportation to and from EPU if
needed
Question: Is there a cost? Answer: No there is no cost to families or children.
CVRC pays for Infant Family Program services.
Funding sources:
First 5 Fresno
California Department of Developmental Services
California Department of Education
U.S. Department of Education
United Way of Fresno County
Donations from Community & Business Members