Circle of Friends the Path to Inclusion

Hundreds of children each month receive early intervention services from Pathways through contracted arrangements with the Los Angeles Unified School District and Head Start. Children with special needs between the ages of three and five years old that attend preschool at Head Start sites are referred to Pathways to conduct an assessment. This testing and a subsequent report by Pathways is used to determine, with the parent's consent and input, what services would best help their child achieve his or her fullest potential prior to entering kindergarten. Pathways is located in Los Angeles.

Blind Children's Learning Center is located in Santa Ana, Calif. The center helps develop the full potential of visually impaired children and youth to enable them to lead independent lives. A part of the center s services and programs is the Early Childhood Center that includes eight classrooms and play area for infants and children. The multimedia library at the center provides a place for children to explore tactile, large print and Braille books. Parents, teachers, students and other professionals in the field of visual impairment have access to resources in the library. The on-site counseling office provides a place where children can meet with the school counselor and receive help through play therapy. The occupational therapy room provides an environment for sensory integration for blind and visually impaired children. The staff of the infant family focus and youth outreach programs meet at on-site offices to provide services to the community.