Easterseals physical therapists meet families where they are

When a child needs a little extra help and therapy is recommended, it can be overwhelming, especially for working families. Sometimes, having the child receive therapy services at daycare is the best solution for all, and that’s precisely what Easterseals does for the Scorah family of Seaford.

Bentley, age 1 1/2, receives all his therapy in his childcare, and it has had a significant impact in helping him achieve his developmental goals.

“Therapies have made such a big difference. He has progressed so much. He is reaching his milestones with their help,” said Bentey’s mom, Caitlin. “Having therapies at daycare is amazing. The therapists are meeting his needs while we are at work. They take videos of techniques so childcare staff can work with him and so we can help him at home.”

Easterseals celebrates National Physical Therapy Month, observed every October, by recognizing the contributions physical therapists make in the lives of participants like Bentley. When he was 1 month old, Bentley began receiving physical therapy for low tone and core strength issues. Later, feeding therapy was added to help with swallowing and chewing more thoroughly, and then occupational therapy when his parents recognized he was favoring one arm.

“We’re extremely family-centered, and each child receives individualized therapy,” said Colleen Heckman, Easterseals clinical coordinator of therapy services. “We work as a team, and we consider the family to be equal partners in that team. We have plenty of expertise about child development, but parents and caregivers are the experts when it comes to their kids. Working together makes for a powerful partnership that helps our children succeed.”

Bentley is making significant progress in his therapies. He learned to crawl with the help of physical therapists and is now working on walking with the help of a gait trainer. He is also learning to dress himself, point and wave with the help of his occupational therapist. In speech and feeding therapy, he is saying his first words, like “mama,” “dada” and “dog,” as well as learning to take bigger bites during mealtime.

“Everything we do, we do with the children at the center, while empowering their families to do everything they can to help their children succeed,” said Michelle Blankenship, Easterseals vice president of children’s therapy services.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializes in treating children through age 18 with a variety of challenges, meeting the needs of children and their families through creative, playful activities that go beyond traditional services.

To learn more, go to de.easterseals.com.