Early Childhood (Ages 2-6): Skills for Growth and Development Webnair
April 21, 2025 @ 12:00PM — 1:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

You're Invited!
Empowering Caregivers: A Free Child Development Series for Families with Children with Disabilities The Virginia Down Syndrome Association and Ivy Rehab are proud to announce a collaborative series dedicated to providing invaluable child development education for caregivers of children with disabilities. Building on the VDSA's mission to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and made possible by a generous grant expanding our reach, this program offers practical insights and actionable strategies. Join Ivy Rehab therapists for concise presentations followed by interactive Q&A sessions, designed to address your specific concerns and challenges. These sessions are tailored for parents of children aged 2-6, offering a supportive environment to learn and connect. Series Details Target Audience: Parents of children with disabilities, aged 2-6 Dates: Fridays, April 18th - May 9th Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern Time) Platform: Zoom (accessible from any location with internet access) Content: Focused presentations by Ivy Rehab therapists on key child development topics, followed by live Q&A. Session recordings will be available for those unable to attend live. This partnership between the VDSA and Ivy Rehab underscores a shared commitment to supporting caregivers and promoting inclusion for all children. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and connect with a supportive community.
Virtual Series for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities (Ages 2-6)
This virtual series provides targeted support and practical strategies for caregivers of young children (ages 2-6) with disabilities. Each session will be led by a specialist in their respective field, offering valuable insights and actionable advice.
Session Dates & Topics:
- April 18th: Speech, Sign Language, and Other Communication Modalities with Leah Parks, Speech & Language Pathologist. This session will explore strategies and techniques to support speech development in children who might need to utilize sign language and other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
- April 25th: Occupational Therapy, Sensory Diet and Sensory Related Concerns with Katherine (Katie) McCall, Occupational Therapy. Learn about the role of occupational therapy in addressing sensory processing differences in young children. This session will focus on understanding sensory diets and implementing practical strategies to manage sensory sensitivities.
- May 2nd: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Overview with Erin Farneth, BCBA. This session will provide an overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and their potential benefits for children with disabilities. Important Note: Please be aware that ABA services are often primarily covered by insurance only with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This session will address this consideration to ensure participants are fully informed before exploring further.
- May 9th: Occupational Therapy for Social and Emotional Learning with Nadia Pablo, Occupational Therapist. Explore the connection between occupational therapy and social-emotional development in young children. This session will provide strategies to support emotional regulation, social skills, and overall well-being through therapeutic activities.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Nikida Cromartie-James, VDSA Outreach & Inclusion Specialist, at ncromartiejames@virginiadsa.org.