Cathy Estes acknowledged the situation is bittersweet.

          Bitter in that so many children need Sunflower’s Early Education Center (EEC), and sweet that area families seek help at the non-profit agency.

          Estes is the children’s services coordinator at Sunflower Diversified Services where she oversees the EEC as well as Incredible Years Preschool.

          The number of EEC children served last year was 184; it was 148 the year before. The number of referrals increased about 20 percent over the same time.

          “At least part of this increase is the number of newborns being referred to us,” Estes said. “Families are referred from hospitals such as Wesley in Wichita and Children’s Mercy in Kansas City.

          “Referrals are made anytime there are complications and/or disabilities,” she explained. “We are thankful hospitals, parents and all our partners are aware of this referral system and our exceptional early intervention services.”
          All EEC services are free. Families can seek assistance on their own even if they have no specific concerns; the EEC offers repeat screenings that offer peace of mind.

          “Anyone can call us for help,” Estes said. “They do not need a doctor’s referral. If parents have concerns, they can attend one of our screenings or call us right away.

          “In most cases,” she continued, “we can provide a screening within a few days. We will work with families and check on their children whenever there is any concern.”

          The EEC staff includes three early childhood special education teachers, two physical therapists and two speech-language pathologists. A bilingual early intervention specialist rounds out the team.

          In addition, Estes and three others also have the credentials to assess social/emotional concerns.

          “We go to family homes to offer these services with the team approach,” Estes commented. “Our staff cares for families in their natural environment, which results in much less stress.

          “Families are especially grateful that we coach them so they know what to do when we are not there,” Estes elaborated. “Our recommendations always make them feel more comfortable.”

          For example, EEC professionals explain how to use adaptive equipment, and how to address feeding and sleep-positioning issues.

          “Parents tell us what is and isn’t working,” Estes said. “We want to address what is most pressing to them, and then design a plan that allows them to function better in their daily routine.”

          Estes stressed that early intervention, especially between birth and age 3, is crucial. In many cases, the brain can be re-wired and a developmental delay can at least be alleviated and maybe overcome.

          “This means that fewer children will need expensive special education when they go to school,” Estes said. “If there is no early intervention the situation will get worse after age 3.

          “We strongly urge parents to call on us,” Estes added. “We are thankful when they ask for help but we are also thankful when they don’t need us anymore.”

          Estes also mentioned that the three teachers at Sunflower’s Incredible Years Preschool continuously monitor children’s development, offer screenings at a parent’s request and make referrals as needed.

          For more information, call 620-792-4087.

          The EEC is one of 37 tiny-k networks in Kansas. Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.