Last week, I reintroduced early intervention for parents and caregivers who were not aware of the valuable resources they provide. This week, I thought I would take it one step farther and review the resources available through the three Utah County organizations.

Starting from the south end of the county and providing services to children and family in Nebo School District, which extends from Santaquin to Springville, is Kids Who Count. Kids Who Count is a nonprofit organization established in 1986 and located in Salem.

When it comes to early intervention, Kids Who Count provides a full developmental evaluation, at no cost, for families who have concerns about their baby or toddler. This is also the first step in finding out if your child is eligible for early intervention services. The evaluation takes place in your home with you, your child and a team of early intervention professionals who will observe how your child plays, communicates and interacts with others. Information on this and all services can be found at kidswhocount.org.

In addition to early intervention, Kids Who Count has also included applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which is widely recognized as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for autism. They also offer additional autism services, including speech and occupational therapy, mental health and family support, and parent training.

Kids Who Count also has a parent support group, performs hearing and vision screenings — which will be starting again soon — and runs the “Sibling Crew,” which is a place for siblings of children with special needs to connect with each other, learn, talk, play and have fun. Sibling Crew is held the first Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and welcomes kids from 6-13 years of age. For information, contact Jessica.paletta@kidswhocount.org.

Easterseals Goodwill provides services to families within the Provo School District. Their website is esgw.org. They also offer evaluations in the home and can be contacted at 801-852-4525 to schedule an appointment.

Kids on the Move is the program that supports families in Alpine School District in the northern part of Utah County from Orem to Highland. Kids on the Move was established in 1984 by two moms trying to meet the needs of their own children with special needs. Information about services can be found at kotm.org.

Kids on the Move offers similar early intervention services as the other programs mentioned. Additionally, Early Head Start is for pregnant mothers and children from birth to 3 years of age. They provide help to families by providing resources and referrals in the community and providing educational topics on health, nutrition, safety, parenting and development.

Kids on the Move has an umbrella of independent operating pillar programs.

The Autism Center is designed for parents and children ages 2 and up diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or similar developmental delays. Their services are also based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.

They have a fully licensed child care center committed to providing a high quality of care for children from 6 weeks to first grade at competitive rates. Their three classrooms are segregated by age and development. There are respite services available for families of children with special needs that provide a three-hour break on weekend nights. Kids on the Move also provides many learning opportunities and classes for children, teens and families both virtually and in person.

If you want to learn more about services from any of these providers, you can do so through their websites. Some services may be on hold due to COVID.

Kids Who Count, Easterseals Goodwill and Kids on the Move are all proof of the adage, “it takes a village to raise a child.” For all of those parents and caregivers of children with special needs, you should find comfort in knowing that you have a village no matter where you are in the county.

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