Early Childhood Intervention Program

A couple months ago we started a new term of the Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP), which a few Peace Corps Volunteers serve at monthly. The program was started by some concerned significant others of  St. George's University faculty, one of which was a previous serving Peace Corps Volunteer. They identified a need for a support program for Grenadian children with special needs who haven't yet reached school age. Children with a wide variety of special needs, from down syndrome to autism and all in between.

From 9-11:30am on the third Saturday of the month, we gather at a daycare in Grand Anse and conduct a one-on-one play therapy session with these children. What is so incredible is not only the small steps of progress we see in the children, but the smiles we see on the faces of their parents, who get just a couple hours to themselves while their children are tended to in a healthy environment. For some parents, this is the only break they receive for the month, and we all know working with special needs is a full time job times some.

For the two or so hours we work with these children, we focus on the basic skills needed for children to function successfully, things like fine motor skills, language skills, and gross motor skills. Each child is paired with a volunteer who knows the abilities of the child and the milestones we are trying to reach. Its amazing how much effort, discipline and patience it takes for not only the children to stay focused, but also the volunteers. Small successes is what keeps up coming back every month, and these children truly are incredible.

Katie and Steph working on simple directives with Jumorie and Jayden

Steph working on balance with Jayden

Katie and Jumorie working on balance. See him making eye contact? That's a form of communication for nonverbal children.

Kaleb, who stole my heart. This poor child is young for the program, but its necessary he is there because we are told he sits in a crib all day long at his current day care.

Lendell working on simple directive during snack time.

Leslie-Ann is a sweetheart. I told her to smile, this is what I got...

Christine and Alexei working on fine motor skills during painting.

Errin's music room is one of the childrens favorite.