Rainbows United recently expanded one of its services to Sumner County. We are now providing Infant/Toddler Services to families in Sumner County who have children birth to age 3 needing therapy interventions.
Last March, the State Department of Health and Environment asked Rainbows to consider taking over these Infant/Toddler services in Sumner County. The agency who had previously provided these early intervention services was no longer able to continue to do so. Just as we began discussions, COVID-19 hit our area and all of that was set aside.
In May after obtaining program data and financial information, Rainbows’ Board discussed this opportunity. After careful consideration, our Board approved of Rainbows expanding Infant/Toddler Services into Sumner County. As one Board Member summed it up, “If families and children need services and we can do it, then we should”. So even during a pandemic, Rainbows’ Board continues to “Make Children and Families our highest priority”.
Katie Bally is the Coordinator for Infant/ Toddler Services in Sumner County and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with Rainbows United. She has an undergraduate degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders and a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. She completed both degrees through Wichita State University and is an avid Shockers fan.
“The work environment at Rainbows is so special to me,” said Katie. “We have awesome teamwork and we all strive to collaborate and work together in order to help families be the best they can be for their children. Overall, being able to offer resources and strategies to help improve family’s lives is truly rewarding. There is nothing better than witnessing a first for a child and watching a caregiver come to tears because they never thought the day would come. That is pretty special!” Read Katie’s story here.
How a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about his or her development. Developmental Milestones set by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can help families gage how their child is meeting developmental milestones for their age. When there is a concern, it’s time to connect with early intervention.
Any parent or caregiver who has a concern regarding their young child’s development can call 316.320.1342 for a free evaluation. When a child qualifies for any of the 17 mandated services they are provided at no cost to the family.
For more information about the Sumner County Infant/Toddler Services program, please visit our website here.
https://rainbowsunited.org/donate/As we enter into this season of thankfulness and giving, please remember Rainbows in your plans. Look for our Appeal for end of year giving in your mailbox and visit our Donate page to read about the work that has continued throughout the pandemic and how you can continue to be a part of filling the gap to fund these critical services going forward.
