Programs & Services

Programs & Services

Developmental Screening

A developmental screening is a way to quickly see how a child is learning and growing compared to their peers. If a child’s development seems to be delayed, a Family Resources Coordinator will suggest a complete evaluation.

Evaluation & Assessment

An evaluation is a way for our Early Support (ESIT) team of professionals to see if a child is eligible for services. There is no cost for an evaluation, and it is completed only with the written permission of the parent or guardian. A parent or guardian must attend the evaluation. Most evaluations can be completed in approximately 90 minutes.

After the evaluation is complete, you and your evaulation team will talk about what skills your child is demonstrating, what skills come next, and identify any concerns. If there are areas of delay, the child may be eligible for our ESIT services.

If your child is enrolled in our ESIT program, you will receive regular assessments from your Birth to Three team to be sure you and your child are getting the kind of support you need. We’ll celebrate your child’s strengths and their growth together!

All families work closely with a Family Resources Coordinator (FRC) who helps guide them through the program. FRCs connect children and families with Early Support services and community resources. Our coordinators act as your main point of contact, helping you understand your rights and find the support you need.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Helps children learn the skills they need to participate in their daily tasks like moving, playing, and learning. Provides families with ideas to help children take care of their bodies for sleep, feeding, and other self-care routines. Helps children learn how to use their senses and manage their feelings. We support families at home and in their community.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Helps children grow in strength, balance, and coordination so they can fully participate in all areas of life. We bring movement into daily routines and support families who may need therapy equipment for their children. Children’s exercise is play! 

Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)

Helps children communicate better by improving how they express their needs and understand others. This can be through speech, sign language, gestures, or special communication tools. Our therapists also offer tips for families to support communication at home and in everyday life.

Feeding Therapy

Helps children improve coordination of their mouth to help with skills like bottle-feeding or breast feeding, drinking from a cup, or eating with a spoon. We also work with families whose children have sensory feeding challenges.

Specialized Instruction

Supports learning and development in all areas with a particular focus on cognitive, play, and social interaction skills.

Service Coordination

Helps your family identify the early support programs that fit best your daily routines. We help create a plan for your child, set up meetings, offer ongoing support, and connect you with other important resources for your child’s development and growth.

For Parents and Caregivers

Parent Education and Support is offered through close interaction with our professional staff. As families take part in their child’s Early Support programs, assessments, and the creation of Individualized Family Service Plans, we provide guidance every step of the way.

CHERISH™ (Children Encouraged by Relationships in Secure Homes)

The CHERISH program helps support the emotional and social well-being of children in the child welfare system, especially those living in foster care or other types of supportive placements. CHERISH providers work closely with important people in each child’s life to reduce trauma, keep living situations stable, and make any necessary changes as smooth as possible. The goal is to make sure kids feel safe and supported throughout their journey. CHERISH was created by Kindering.

A child care center focused on individual needs.

Birth to Five Early Learning Center serves our community and is located on the border of Federal Way and northeast Tacoma. Our center is designed to support the physical, cognitive, communication and social/emotional development of all children ages four weeks through age six years 11 months and their families.

We support children who have many different learning styles and abilities. We offer a USDA food program and accept available state subsidies. Birth to Five Early Learning Center meets Washington State’s Level 3 Early Achievers Program Standards.

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