Lighthouse of the Big Bend, Inc.

Youth Programs

Early Intervention
The Early Intervention program is for children age 0-6. Specialist train children in the areas of child development such as communicative, daily living, sensory and motor, and cognitive development. Services are offered to both the children and their families. Early Intervention Specialist offers instruction in the home, at day care, at school or in the community. The learning maximizes the vision of the child in a fun and empowering way. The children learn how to manage life without format. Early Intervention is crucial in preventing developmental delays due to vision impairments. Each child in the program has a specialized service plan to meet the goals and needs of each child. Each family is informed of the service plan. Consistent communication is maintained in regards to progress.

Expanded Core Curriculum Children’s Program
The Expand Core Curriculum Children’s Program is for children age 6-12. The expanded core curriculum includes compensatory or functional academic skills including communication modes, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, and visual efficiency skills. These components are outside of the general education curriculum but are crucial for children who are visually impaired. Mastery of the components ensures that these children are successful throughout life. Children in the program have one-on-one lessons and group lessons. The lessons cover the components of the curriculum. Each child in the program has a specialized service plan that is developed to meet each child’s goals and needs. Each child in the program has a specialized service plan to meet the goals and needs of each child. Each family is informed of the service plan. Consistent communication is maintained in regards to progress.

Transition Program
The Transition Program is for students age 14 – 22. The Expanded Core Curriculum is used for these students but is expanded to include vocation training, post-secondary school readiness and social experiences. Students meet weekly in group sessions and one-on-one. Each student has a personalized service plan to meet the students’ needs and goals. Students will use to skills gained to transition from high school to employment, college or a vocational school. Services to students in this program include lessons in technology and independent living skills. Students in the Transitions program improve in their independence, grow confidence, and strengthen their overall mental and physical health and well-being.