Frequently Asked Questions

What types of developmental delays or disabilities impact children in your center?

Down Syndrome & other genetic disorders

Autism

Cerebral Palsy ….brain injuries

Hearing and vision impairments

Spina Bifida

Speech and language disorders

Adverse reactions to auditory, visual or tactile stimuli

Premature birth

Feeding or swallowing concerns

Seizure disorders

Irritability, especially in babies

Respiratory disorders or asthma

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, metabolic/nutritional

General regression in developmental or functional skills

General developmental delays/at-risk characteristics

Social-Emotional and behavioral concerns

Where do you start when you are worried about your child’s development?

·          Write down your concerns and observations and talk to your pediatrician

·          Call Challenged Child and Friends intake team to share your concerns and seek advice

·          Gather information and observations from child care provider, preschool teacher and other professionals who care for and teach your child

·          Trust your “gut instincts” as a parent and seek support/information

How does your program help parents?

Parents are “on the team” when a child’s individual plan is developed and monitored.  Parents identify strengths, weaknesses, hopes/goals, and barriers for their child and family.  The therapists, teachers, nurses and family counselor help parents gain skills and self-confidence.  The center provides a place for parents to interact with other parents.  Social and family activities provide the whole family with “fun-filled” experiences that create memories and friendships.

The center helps families find other services and helps them to learn how to work with professionals as they advocate for their child.  Enrollment in the program provides families with a one-stop service site where therapies, health monitoring, early childhood education, respite and family support is provided, with all parties “working together in harmony”.

What is the “and Friends” program for typical children?

Challenged Child and Friends believes that children with and without disabilities should learn and grow “together”.  We believe that all children are unique individuals with strengths and challenges and have the same needs to be loved, cared-for, accepted and supported as they develop.  Beautiful friendships emerge in this place where children learn to accept and adapt to friends with a wide range of abilities and needs.  Parents who have a child with a disability and a typically-developing child can enroll both children in the same preschool. Parents of children with typical development benefit from the highly qualified staff, an outstanding adult-to-child ratio and cutting-edge curriculum and methods.  The character development of all children is enriched by the friendships and experiences they share in a center that honors each child as a unique individual.   

How is your organization funded?

We are a private, non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3) IRS status.  The annual operating budget is over a million dollars a year.  As a regional organization, we are members of six United Ways (Habersham, White, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin, and Dawson) and the combined allocations from these United Ways represents 16% of our total income.  Earned income from contracts, parent fees, and insurance reimbursements is 58%.  Every year, fund raising events, grants and contributions must generate the remaining 26% (Nearly $300,000).