Mission

To develope resiliency in at-risk children to enable them to maximize their potential.

Vitalistic Therapeutic Center, Inc. is the parent organization of The Children’s Therapeutic Center. Founded in 1972, Vitalistic Therapeutic Center is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services to children from birth to 12 years of age who have developmental delays and/or mental health issues. "Vitalistic" means "life supporting." All programs of Vitalistic Therapeutic Center encourage children to grow, develop and master fundamental skills that are necessary to lead a rewarding life. Through a combination of education and therapy, children are encouraged to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially with the goal of entering school and becoming successful adults who contribute to the community in a positive ways.

A special place for special children

Every child, regardless of special needs, has the right to enter school socially and emotionally ready to learn. This strong foundation helps to ensure that a child will grow to his or her fullest potential and become a productive adult. This philosophy guides The Children’s Therapeutic Center’s Early Intervention Preschool which is designed for children with developmental delays and/or mental health needs.

In a warm, nurturing atmosphere, the Early Intervention Preschool:

• Prepares special needs children to achieve at age-appropriate levels in public or private school settings;
• Supports children therapeutically so they will become mentally healthy and resilient;
• Encourages parents to play an integral role in their child’s development.

Program

The Early Interventional Preschool is a half-day, year-round program for children ages 3 to 5 who have developmental delays and/or mental health needs. Classes are small with at least one adult per three children. Teachers are certified in early childhood education, special education or both. A mental health worker is an integral part of the teaching team in classrooms for children with mental health needs. The educational program is age appropriate, focusing on the development of gross motor, cognitive and socio-emotional skills. Teachers use Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum to help children learn positive behavior. The Early Intervention Preschool is housed in a turn-of-the-century mansion that offers a warm, home-like setting. It is secured at all times. The fenced-in backyard provides an ample play area. The Early Intervention Preschool is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Welfare.

• Developmental Delays. Prior to enrollment, each child is evaluated for developmental delays using the Battelle Developmental Inventory. If a child exhibits a delay of at least 25 percent in two or more of five developmental areas, he/she may participate in the program. A written Individual Education Plan is developed for each child, including goals and strategies that are incorporated into the classroom program. A child may also receive specialized services including speech, occupational and/or physical therapy, and mental health services.
• Mental Health Needs. Prior to enrollment, each child is screened. A mental health professional completes a psychosocial in-take and a psychiatrist conducts an initial psychiatric evaluation. The mental health treatment team develops and Individual Treatment Plan based on the child’s diagnosis. Educational strategies and mental health interventions are included. Children participate in play, art, music, and/or dance and movement therapies, as recommended by the treatment team.

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