Our Little Learners staff serve blind babies, from ages 0 to 3, and their families. We want to tell you a bit more about the amazing work they do.
Early Childhood Blind & Low Vision Specialists are out in the community, providing services to blind babies and their families in their homes, and community areas such as parks, libraries, and daycare. They often go to the ophthalmologist with families to help them understand what the doctor is saying and make sure they get their questions answered. They discuss with parents what their baby’s vision diagnosis and what for the baby’s education.
The Specialist is also part of the baby’s education team. Each baby has a Individual Family Service Plan that outlines all the services the baby is receiving, assessments that have been done, and the outcomes the education team will be working on during each six-month period. The Specialist identifies the next steps for a baby to work on. For example, if a baby is working with a Speech Therapist, the Specialist may determine the baby needs high-contrast icons to work with or tactile objects.
Our Regional Coordinators cover four regions: North, East, South and Central Valley. Each region has a Regional Center with its own way of doing things.
The Regional Coordinator is also a blind and low vision specialist. They lead the Little Learners staff who work in that region, coordinate referrals that come in, track caseloads, and work with school districts.
Some of the most crucial work of the Regional Coordinator includes direct outreach in the local community by attending local events such as community roundtables. They build relationships with the people who refer blind babies to the Little Learners program, such as doctors.
Overseeing the team is our Program Director Pam Chapin who is herself a blind and low vision specialist. Pam tracks state regulations, evaluates areas that need services, determines any staffing changes that are needed and communicates with community partners and other LightHouse departments for programming.
Pam also happens to be the Regional Coordinator for the South Bay and had this to say about serving in that role:
“I like that I still work with families. I think it keeps me connected to what we’re doing, and it keeps my skills honed. The work is why we’re here.”