Early Interventionists Recommend Toys for Ages 4 Months to 3+ Years

One of the most popular questions that an early interventionist gets asked is what toys we recommend. My typical response is, “Nothing that takes batteries!” Our team met recently to make a list to share with families, and here it is: You can introduce these toys during this time, but many babies/toddlers may want to […]

When and what should I read to my baby?

As an early interventionist, one of the questions that I hear most often is “When should I read to my baby?” Parents know that it is important to read to their children but may feel a little silly reading aloud to an infant. Reading together when your child is an infant increases the chances that […]

Family Experience is Different from Expectation

When Ka’Leina’s pediatrician recommended her family consider services through Rainbows, her mother Keljhay was skeptical. “I was stressed to think my daughter needed help beyond what I could do,” said Keljhay. “I didn’t know if I wanted people in my home. I worried I would be judged on what I wasn’t able to do for […]

Angie Grew Up at Rainbows

Leer en Español Twenty-year-old Angie was born with Down Syndrome. She attends Camp Woodchuck during the summer. Angie has enjoyed an in-home Direct Support Professional (DSP) who helps her with her daily duties, such as cleaning her room, washing her laundry, doing household chores, and preparing food. Angie’s DSP will take her out into the […]

How can we help children who are not yet talking develop language?

A child’s brain grows at its fastest rate between birth and the age of three years old. This is an opportune time to capitalize on development, and the reason early intervention programs are so impactful to those served. When discussing the development of speech and language, it is important to note that “speech” refers to […]

Free Developmental Screenings for children birth to five years old

Connecting Point is a project of the Sedgwick County Early Childhood Coordinating Council, which strives to improve the quality of early childhood services and reflect the diversity of the community. Screen for Success is provided by Wichita Public Schools and Rainbows United, Inc.- Connecting Point, and connects children and families to community resources. The screening […]

Uncertainty replaced with reassurance

“With the support of our Rainbows care team, Henry is meeting all of his developmental goals at 13 months old and is making exceptional progress,” said his dad, Alex. These are vastly different than the feelings Alex and his wife, Aubrey experienced before being discharged from the hospital with a newborn who had a skull […]

Independent, Secure and Social

Leer en Español Twenty-year-old Angie was born with Down Syndrome. She attends Camp Woodchuck during the summer. Angie has enjoyed an in-home Direct Support Professional (DSP) who helps her with her daily duties, such as cleaning her room, washing her laundry, doing household chores, and preparing food. Angie’s DSP will take her out into the […]

Camp Woodchuck: A Place to be Yourself

Eight-year-old Tig Benton is a very sensitive and caring kid. He is artistic and great at building things. Tig has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, he attends Camp Woodchuck and receives case management through Rainbows. “Tig is always curious, asks lots of questions, and loves to […]

Connecting Families to Vital Resources

“Despite his disabilities, he is living it up. He is full of energy and has a lot of common sense, is very strong and loves to learn, run, play, and be silly,” said his dad, Jeremy about 11-year-old Dusty. “We are extremely proud of how far he’s come.” Born early at 2 pounds 4 ounces, […]