Speech Language Pathologist Elaine Trout

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools is partnering with Family Strengths Network and Las Cumbres Community Services to host an Early Intervention Fair for local families 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 2 at 3540 Orange St.

This fair is meant to capture all the early intervention resources available to families in Los Alamos into one space. A variety of vendors will be in attendance, including First Born Program of Los Alamos, Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, Casa First, School for the Deaf, School for the Blind, Parents Reaching Out, Center for Autism and Related Disorders and the Gifted Horse, Inc.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early intervention is the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities. It may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family. Early intervention is important because it can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.

Family Strengths Network Chit Chat Coordinator Lissie Ham said, “We hope that having these vendors together in one space will make receiving early intervention services more accessible to all families.”

Not only will these vendors be providing valuable educational materials for families, there will also be fun activities for kids. The Gifted Horse, an equine therapy organization, will have a goat and miniature horse for those looking to interact with some furry animals. LAPS will be handing out a free children’s book for each family, too.

In addition, Las Cumbres will be performing free hearing screenings for children on site during the fair.