Children's Center

The Children's Center offers a broad array of therapeutic services to children from birth through five years of age with developmental, physical, and emotional diagnoses. Therapies are available between the hours of 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. at 1 Alden Avenue in Augusta. Transportation is available for eligible children through the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.

Services Offered:

• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps children develop in the areas of self-help, fine motor, oral motor, and play. The Children's Center currently employs one licensed occupational therapist and two certified occupational therapy assistants who provide children with positive, fun activities to improve their skills. Services are offered in 1:1 settings within two designated occupational therapy rooms and in within classrooms. Also offered are community-based services in collaboration with HeadStart programs in Augusta and Gardiner.
   
• Speech and Language Therapy: Speech and language therapy helps children develop their ability to express themselves and to be understood by others, and oral motor skills necessary for eating. There are two speech and language rooms available for use by the Center's speech and language staff, which currently consists of a licensed speech and language therapist and two assistants. Speech therapy is offered in 1:1 sessions and in groups. 

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy helps children develop their control of large muscle groups for play and mobility. A large gross motor room and a physical therapy room are available for 1:1 services, and physical therapy also occurs in classroom settings. The Children's Center currently contracts with a licensed physical therapist for these services, which are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 

• Developmental Therapy: Developmental therapy consists of individual or group based activities designed for social, cognitive, and emotional growth, which can be used in a variety of settings. On the assumption that children with disabilities go through the same stages of development that typically developing youngsters do, but at a different pace, the therapist guides treatment and measures progress by focusing on the normal developmental milestones that all children must master. Behavior, communication, socialization, and pre-academic needs are addressed.

 
Referral Process and Funding Options:

Referrals can be made directly by parents or through local Child Development Services offices. Referrals can also be made by local case management agencies or pediatricians. Therapies are funded through MaineCare or private insurance companies. Therapies are supported by grant funding received by the United Way and through community support donations.