Lancaster County BHDS

Are you planning to drive somewhere for a trip this summer with your young children? It is a good time of year to make sure that you have your car seat installed properly. Check out these car seat safety tips as we acknowledge National Safety Month!

Did you know that Lancaster County Early Intervention’s developmental specialists can also help to share different strategies and activities to help support your child during daily routines like driving in the car? Lancaster County Early Intervention provides developmental evaluations and services to children ages birth to three years old at no cost to the family.

See our brochure about what kind of services our children's case management program can provide. Our staff are especially talented at creating spaces where all the adults in your child's life can have a say and take part in creating a safe and happy life.

Earlier this month we shared about local Lancaster County playgrounds, including some accessible playgrounds. Summer is a great time to venture out to some of the wonderful local playgrounds and parks! With active supervision and some basic safety tips, you and your child can focus on having fun at the playground!

Did you know that Lancaster County Early Intervention’s staff can try to set up their schedules to join your family at a local playground for therapy sessions? We can show parents and caregivers way to help support and encourage a child’s development to help them reach their goals while playing at the playground. Lancaster County Early Intervention provides developmental evaluations and services to children ages birth to three years old at no cost to the family.

Summer is a great time to do water activities with your young child! However, keep in mind these important water safety tips!

Lancaster County Early Intervention’s staff show parents and caregivers way to help support and encourage a child’s development to help them reach their goals while incorporating water play or routines like bath time. Lancaster County Early Intervention provides developmental evaluations and services to children ages birth to three years old at no cost to the family.

June is Safety Month! As you are enjoying your summer with your young child and hopefully spending some time outside, please remember these tips to stay safe and cool! Check out this important information from the PA Keys.

Summer means longer days, and more reasons to get out of the house. Give your brain what it needs and find some time to be outside this week. Your mind will thank you!

Yesterday was the official first day of summer! Check out some of these fun ideas to do with your young child this summer in Lancaster County from Play.Dream.Lanco! We also love this list of summer fun ideas! The summer season offers young children many learning opportunities. Getting children involved in summer activities will encourage exploration and foster children's curiosity about the world around them, helping them develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Summer is a great time to do things together as a family with your child at your home and in the community, especially try to get outside!

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Tomorrow June 19th we celebrate Juneteenth, but what exactly is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a special day when we remember when all the people who were enslaved in the United States found out they were free. Some people celebrate with music, dancing, yummy food, and lots of fun! It’s a day of joy and remembering how important freedom is for everyone.

Do you want to explain the importance of Juneteenth to young children? Try reading a book about it! PA Promise for Children has a few recommendations for children under eight years old. Visit your wonderful local library to check out these books, or to find new favorites.

As we celebrate Father's Day this weekend, Early Intervention also wanted to acknowledge that June is men’s mental health month. June is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges men face and encouraging them to prioritize their well-being. This month aims to reduce stigma surrounding men's mental health and promote open conversations about seeking help and support.

Lancaster County Early Intervention partners with local parents, caregivers, and families to help support their infant or toddler that has developmental delays and/or disabilities. We know that life changes after having a child and as many as 1 in 10 new fathers experience some type of depression or anxiety after the birth of their child. These rates can be higher if you are a parent to child with a developmental delay and/or disability. Thankfully, there are mental health resources and support available.

For local mental health services and resources, you can contact Lancaster County BHDS Mental Health Services at 717-393-0421. There is also national support that you can call or text ‘HELP’ or 800-944-4773 for information and resources from Postpartum Support International. You can also reach out to National Alliance on Mental Health by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640 or emailing at [email protected]

If you are in a crisis and you are local to Lancaster County, you can contact Crisis Intervention at 717-394-2631. You can also call or text the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

You are not alone, and you are not to blame. Help is available.

Summer can be such a busy time for families! We know that sometimes it can feel like it is not the right time to reach out Early Intervention if you have been worried about how your young child is growing and developing.

However, we try to compliment your life and not add to it and complicate it! Our team members come to where your child is and join into your typical routines and activities that you have throughout your day and week! Plus, our developmental evaluations and services are available at no cost to families!

Reach out to us today to make a referral! (717) 209-3354

Making a referral for an Early Intervention developmental screening and/or assessment is easy! It is as simple as contacting us, answering a few questions, and providing some basic information to start the process. Getting help as early as possible for your infant or toddler is best!