Orange Programs | Early Intervention Programs

Meet Johnny, a delightful four-year-old child who was referred to ELG after he was diagnosed with developmental delays. Many pediatricians and parents often take a wait-and-see approach, thinking that a child will either catch up naturally or "grow out of it." Johnny's parents realized that early intervention would have a significant impact on his ability to learn new skills and increase his success in school and life.

In ELG's early intervention program we use the latest researched-based programs, creating highly individualized therapeutic plans for every child. We take an interdisciplinary approach with a team of professionals including special educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists who work together closely to support a child and their family through a well-developed Individualized Developmental Plan which targets on child's specific needs to foster a child's personal strength and skill and prepare them for their next stage of life.

Before Johnny started with Early Intervention (EI) program, his parents received a package including a welcome letter introducing the program facilitators who would be working with Johnny, his class schedule, and a social story to prepare Johnny's for his first day at ELG. We have a 10-day settling in period whereby we had the opportunity to get to know him, and to have a better idea of his strengths and needs. We then met with his parents to share the team's  observations. This also gave us the opportunity for Johnny's parents to share their thoughts and goals for their son.  Next, Johnny's program leader, speech-language , and occupational therapists completed more formalized assessments to gather baseline data from which measurable goals and objectives were established in the areas of cognitive, social, emotional, language development, sensory, fine and gross motor, and other life skills. We use a strenthed-base approach to tailor a program to support Johnny's growth in all aspects. The IDP's are reviewed twice a year with Johnny's parents in a team meeting. Also important was a home visit we made which is a great example of our personalized approach.

Johnny's day is packed with many fun and developmentally appropriate activities. Besides addressing pre-academic activities like math, reading, and writing,  we embed sensory games, motor activities, music, and movement keep children actively engaged in learning. Everything we do incorporates multiple goals. For example, when working on writing we help them learn the basic concept of writing, to develop fine motor skills for printing letters or Chinese characters. We help him learn how to hold a marker or pencil properly. Jonny loves a program called "Write Dance". "Write Dance" always starts with whole body "dance" movement (gross motor) then move to finger "dance" (fine motor),  from moving arms in the air to moving writing with utensils on paper. Johnny learned how we write from left to right, then up to down, making a circle, and following dots to trace a curvy line. The activity also meets Johnny's need for movement. We have noticed increased participation and focus.

At  ELG we cultivate development in all aspects of a child's life. We focus on a child's cognitive and academic growth, but our priority is promoting social emotional and communication development. ELG is unique in that we use SCERTS model. 

SCERTS stands for Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support. To make it easier to understand, let's use Johnny to show you how SECERTS model works for a child.  When Johnny started with ELG he barely had any functional language. Functional language refers to the language that a person uses to express his needs, and wants; the language he uses to exchange information and engage in social interaction. Because of limited functional language, he often communicated by throwing a tantrum. Johnny was frustrated. Without any professional support, Johnny's parents were at a loss about what was "wrong" with their son and how they could better understand and support him. It was very frustrating. 

The first thing we did was to give him a tool to communicate using alternative and augmented communication (AAC). Johnny started using pictures to communicate and then an iPad with a communication app. It didn't take long for Johnny to learn that when he touched the picture of cookie he could request a cookie. He learned to use his AAC device to ask for snacks he likes, to request for a break, to greet people and peers. Many parents worry that  using a communication device or pictures will hinder their child's language development. It's the exact opposite. Research shows that children who use pictures are better able to develop language. Our little Johnny is a good example. Johnny began to speak to express himself, so we gradually removed AAC. At the same time, we helped him regulate his emotions. He now had a way to communicate so he was less frustrated. We helped Johnny identify his feelings and gave him strategies to calm himself down when he was feeling frustrated. With support, Johnny learned that when he was upset, he could ask to take a break in the "quiet corner". There Johnny sat in a big bean bag, counting to himself until he felt ready to return to the group. Transactional Support refers to the support provided, such as using visuals and other environmental modifications to promote learning.

Everything we do is driven by a team. Parents and families are part of that team. We work cohesively by collaborating and through weekly team meetings. Parents are eager to receive daily wechat reports with photos and videos. ELG also supports parents through monthly parent training, events and activities. Parents also benefit from monthly parent support groups led by a psychologist. In this way, they have an outlet to vent or simply connect with others who truly understand them. The family is at the center of everything we do.

"Putting Johnny to ELG's Early Intervention Program was the best choice we ever made." Johnny's parents shared with us. We didn’t Realize how much progress he'd make in such a short time. He is so happy! We are happy!

This is also a choice that you can make today. If you have a child under 7 years old and you have concerns about any aspect of their development and well- being, if you, yourself want help contact ELG. Don't wait! We would love to meet you and your child.  Like Johnny, we believe that with the right guidance and supports every young child has the potential to grow and thrive.

a full-day program for  children ages 3 ～7 .

-Established in 2006

-3:1 Child to Adult Ratio

-Founded by Dr. Shari D. Rosen, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist

-Accreditation: SCERTS-based programs, Emphasis on Social Communication & Emotional Regulation

-Integrated Academics based on the Primary Years Program (IB) and local Shanghai curriculum

-Inclusive of multiple practices to meet individual needs of each child

-Driven by the Individualized Developmental Plan (IDP) & Interdisciplinary approach

-Embedded Individual and Group Therapies - Speech-language therapy; Physical therapy; Occupational therapy; Sensory integration

-Family support in, parent trainings, home visits, parent support group, IDP meetings, and respite care

-Parent communication

Unique to ELG children receive weekly 1:1 and group speech-language and occupational therapy sessions.

Come learn more about our SCERTS-based program and how we help children with various needs succeed in school, their communities, and in life.

1WeChat, Call or Email for Free On-line Consultation

Schedule an online consultation with us via WeChat, call or email. We will have an in-depth conversation with you about your child and family so we can determine with you the best fit for providing services.

2Come for a Tailor-made Program Visit to Discuss your Specific Needs

Our caring admissions officer will arrange for you and your child to meet our director of programs, have an initial screening, view the campus, and discuss the specific ways our program can help your child make progress.

3Enroll in our 4-week Trial Program

If you are interested in enrolling in our program, sign up to apply and participate in a 4-week trial program.