WESTFIELD-The Thom Child and Family Services’ association with Early Intervention (EI) and its focus on infants and toddlers began in the 1970s, when the agency took on the operation of Westfield Infant Toddler Services, the first Department of Public Health funded EI program in the state, according to Patricia Kuzmeski, RN, BSN, program director, Thom Westfield Infant and Toddler Services.
Today, Thom Child and Family Services operates 14 programs across the state, providing “critical support” in EI to children and families and training and consultation to others in the early childhood community, added Kuzmeski.
“We are proud to be the largest provider of EI services in Massachusetts and are committed to continuing to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and families,” she said.
Her staff of 70 serves more than 400 families in Westfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Southwick, Tolland, Granville, Huntington, Blandford, Middlefield, Russell, Montgomery, and Woronoco.
“If a parent has any concern at all with regard to their child they are encouraged to make a referral to our program,” said Kuzmeski, adding, “a pediatrician does not have to make the referral.”
Kuzmeski added that some children are referred from the hospital due to prematurity or a genetic anomaly, and others are referred after a well-baby check if the physician has some concerns that a child is not reaching their developmental milestones in a timely manner.
“If a parent or caregiver has any question at all, they should give us a call,” said Kuzmeski. “Best case scenario, we find the child is age appropriate and there is no cause for concern, or we find areas that we will be able to help. The result is, minds can be put at ease, or EI can start visits to help get the child on track. It is never too early to start.”
For more information, call (413) 568-3942 or visit www.thomchild.org and click on “Submit a Referral.”
“We have limited phone staffing at this time, however, please leave a message and we will get back to you,” said Kuzmeski.
