There is a lot to be said about movement.  We express our feelings through movement. We feed our bodies with energy through movement. We connect to the bigger picture in life through movement.

The Movement to Music Dance class for children with special needs is a class designed for school age children with Down Syndrome, Autism, or any other special need that could benefit from improving gross motor skills and social skills.
Check out the Children’s Dance Foundation for upcoming classes that promote the potential in movement through dance.

Children’s Dance Foundation is located in Homewood, Al.  (205) 870-0073

The HOPE Program knows potential in parenting.  THE HOPE PROGRAM IS A FREE SERVICE funded by the State to help you as a parent and give your child the fullest of opportunities to reach their potential!

What is the HOPE Program?

The HOPE Program (Helping Others through Parent Education) is an early intervention program which serves infants and toddlers with special needs and their families.  As a team, parents or caregivers and professionals work together to help each infant/toddler to develop the skills needed for his/her next environment based on the developmental model and to assist out families with the total care necessary for their child.
What services are available in the HOPE Program?

Based upon the recommendations of the HOPE staff, children enrolled in the program may receive special instruction therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  Psychological services are also available through the HOPE Program.  The most appropriate environment for therapy services is determined by the HOPE staff based upon the individual needs of the infant/toddler and family.  Service environments include in-center, home based, visits to day care settings, and other medical facilities.  Children may be seen in individual or small group therapy sessions.  Therapy sessions are generally thirty minutes in length.
Who can receive services through the HOPE Program?

Infants/toddlers, age birth to three years, who are experiencing developmental delays as measured by appropriate tests or have a diagnosis are eligible for services.  Children admitted to the HOPE Program must be current on their immunizations and have a medical form completed annually.

Children graduate from the HOPE Program when they meet the age requirements for entrance into the public schools, or when they no longer present with developmental delays.
How can I refer a child to the HOPE Program?

Infants and toddlers with special needs or suspected developmental delays can be referred to the HOPE Program by their parents or guardian, medical professionals, community service agencies, or other programs by calling 322-4500.  You may also contact Child Find.  Child Find is a statewide effort to locate, identify, and evaluate children from birth to age 21 who have disabilities, or who are suspected of having a disability or delayed development.  Child Find helps the child, the family and the provider to plan appropriate services and link families to services available.  The Child Find number is 1-800-543-3098.

What can you expect from the HOPE program?

The HOPE Early Intervention Team

Working together with your family to

improve the development of your child …

For more information check out:

The Arc of Jefferson County HOPE Early Intervention Program

215 21^st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205

205-322-4500

Click HERE for more information and some behind the scenes pictures of the amazing services provided.

All of ARC’s Early Intervention professionals meet or exceed the Personnel Standards established by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS).