Home-Based Program - for Philadelphia children birth to three years old

UCP's Home-Based Program provides services to children from birth to three years old residing in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. Children and their families are given direct therapy and consultation in their homes or private child care programs.

The goal of the Home-Based Program is to help families and caregivers support a child's development in all areas through daily routines, such as dressing and mealtimes.  Teachers and therapists provide strategies for caregivers to use throughout the day to improve each child's communication, motor skills, problem solving abilities and socialization.  Information about resources available in the community, as well as through United Cerebral Palsy are provided to families. UCP staff work closely with service coordinators to continually evaluate each child's program to be sure it is meeting the needs of both the child and family.

UCP's Home-Based services include, special education, speech, occupational, social work, and physical therapy as well as social work and nutrition services.  Appoximately 50 children andtheir families are served each year.

Community-Based-Program - for children three to five years old

UCP's Community-Based Program provides early intervention (EI) services to children who are three to five years old and qualify for services.  Direct and consultative services are provided to families and caregivers, teachers in designated community child care and Head Start programs in Philadelphia.

Before entering UCP's Community-Based Program, a child must be evaluated by the Elwyn SEEDS program, identified as needing EI services, and referred to UCP's Children's Services department. A team of parents, teachers, service coordinators, and therapists work together to develop and implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP guides the team and provides goals for addressing a child's needs. A child's progress is reviewed annually and re-evaluated every two years.

Approximately 400 children receive services annually through UCP's Community-Based Program which is made up of educators, service coordinators, and speech, occupational, and physical therapists.

To learn more about Community Programs at UCP, contact Children's Services Director Kathleen Winter by email at kwinter@ucpphila.org or call 215-248-7605.