EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOM
The classrooms are set-up to encourage skill building. Each child has an individual educational program designed to meet their special needs. Teachers, therapists, and parents/guardians work together cooperatively to carry out these goals and objectives. Evaluations occur periodically.
PARENT EDUCATION, SUPPORT, AND COUNSELING
Parent meetings are held at the Lighthouse Center on a monthly basis. During the meetings related topics are presented and discussed. The purpose of the sessions is to give parents as much information as possible so that they can be a strong member of their child's educational team.
FAMILY CASE MANAGEMENT
The Lighthouse staff along with physicians, parents and clinical staff develop a Family Support Plan or an Individual Educational Program for each family. The plan or program basically describes therapy, educational activities and other services the child or family may need. Evaluations are conducted on a scheduled basis.
HOME VISITS
A family coordinator is on staff to visit the home to assist parents with developmental activities for their disable child, to explain the Lighthouse program, and to answer questions with supporitve answers.
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
Lighthouse has a contract with the Clay County school system for special needs children ages 14 months to 3 years and 3 years to 5 years.
INCLUSION CLASSES
Inclusion of non-disable and disable children in the same classroom is currently working well at the Lighthouse. Some of the children in "inclusion" present unique challenges. Research on results is being compiled.
HEAD START
Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income families and children with disabilities. The Head Start program consists of developmentally appropriate activities, nutritious meals, health screenings and social services.
SNOEZELEN ROOM
A Snoezelen (Sensory) Room has been developed at the Center primarily for special needs children who have sensory and learning disabilities. The room has proven to be effective for all children for calmness and sensory awareness. It provides an appropriate relaxation atmosphere through special sensations and touches of all five senses.
NURSING SERVICES
A Registered Nurse is on staff to assist the medically fragile child in attending pre-school in the least restrictive environment. She also takes care of the many bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes the Lighthouse children receive. She is a strong liaison with the medical community and the Lighthouse Learning Center.
EXTENDED/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Lighthouse provides an extended school program for children who have families that work or choose to pay for an after school learning program.
CLINIC - UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Conducted by Early Intervention Program staff and qualified pediatric physicians to diagnose the degree of difficulty and to establish a basic suggested program for the child and family. A psychologist, as part of the clinic, conducts developmental evaluations.
SUMMER RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
Educational classes are held during, June, July and the first two weeks of August on an abbreviated basis (4 days a week). Program hours during day vary according to ages.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Assist children to overcome their physical barriers and develop the highest potential gross motor skill level. Emphasis in therapy is on strengthening large muscle groups and gaining flexibility necessary for the independence in mobility and exploration of their environment. The physical therapist works with the parents for optional handling and positioning to provide the child with the best possible access to their surroundings.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Assist the child in developing independence in activities of daily living. The occupational therapist concentrates on the child's ability to utilize their upper body for functional tasks. Hand-eye coordination, fine motor and perceptual skills are emphasized.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
The Speech and Language Therapist evaluates and assist the child in developing the most effective way to communicate verbally or non-verbally. Emphasis may include facilitation of receptive language skills, functional expressive communication systems, oral motor deficits, and feeding difficulties.
EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The Lighthouse has embraced the research on the importance of early brain development for all children. It carefully uses the research in its classroom activities. It also recognizes that the first step in meeting the challenges of the best brain development is to see to it that parents, child care workers, and pre-school teachers understand and recognize the importance of brain development in early childhood, particularly the first few years.
FLORIDA SCHOLAR PROGRAM
The Florida Scholar Program includes students from local high schools and Jr. High schools who need volunteer hours as part of their regular school study. The hours they work at Lighthouse are applied toward a scholarship program in the State. The students are able to work directly with the children and staff. Volunteer hours vary each year depending on the decisions made by the legislative body in Tallahassee.
YOUTH AND ADULT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Community has been extremely supportive of the Lighthouse Program. Volunteers give their time with whatever expertise they have. We estimate that the number of fiscal 2000 will be in the area of 650 at an average of 2 hours per volunteer or 1,300 hours total. Volunteer hours can range from direct services with the children, to clerical work, to grounds maintenance.
HEALTHY START (KIDS CARE)
A low cost health insurance program for uninsured children. It includes four programs: MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children's Medical Services Network, and Medicaid.
NOTE: Please call the phone number below for infomation on the Child Care or CDA class.
Child Care Teacher Certification Programs Offered by St. Augustine Technical Center (904-824-4401) at Lighthouse Learning Center's new facility on Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park. Child Care - 30 hour course (new class starts each month) CDA Assistant - Associates Degree (AA) 9 month course