Early Intervention Services
The Early Intervention Program has been actively implemented at the “Theotokos” Foundation since 2000. Operating on a family-centered approach, it provides tailored, individualized services to preschool-aged children with developmental disorders and their families. Our services are designed to enhance child development, empower parents as primary caregivers, mitigate developmental risks, and foster seamless inclusion into both school and social environments.
Community-Based Early Intervention Program
The program “Early Intervention in the Community” has been implemented since 2016, in close collaboration with the Municipalities of Ilion and Agioi Anargyroi / Kamatero.
- Reach: Operating across 21 municipal preschools and nurseries, serving children aged 1.5 to 4 years old and their families.
- Core Objective: Early screening and timely intervention for children at risk of developmental delays or emotional difficulties.
- Accessibility: Offered completely free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all families regardless of socioeconomic background.
European Recognition: In 2021, this program was recognized as one of the top 3 best Early Intervention practices in Europe at the EASPD Innovative Awards (European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities).
Driving Innovation Through Prevention
The program shifts the paradigm from crisis management to proactive prevention, equipping educators and families with the tools needed for early detection. By establishing a close-knit collaboration between the Foundation’s interdisciplinary team, preschool staff, and parents, we ensure that support reaches every child in need at the earliest possible stage.
Standardized Screening & Assessment Tools
Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations, classroom observations, teacher reports, and parental insights are synthesized to map out multi-developmental domains. The validated tools utilized include:
- Griffiths III Developmental Scale
- Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (standardized and norm-referenced for the Greek population)
- Denver Developmental Screening Test
- AnOmiLo 4 (Speech and Language Screening tool)
- Screening Questionnaires: Including the M-CHAT and the proprietary Speech & Language Development Questionnaire designed by the Speech Therapy Department of the “Theotokos” Foundation
Our Methodology: The 6-Phase Framework
- 1. Awareness & Education: Conducting information campaigns to sensitize the community and highlight the vital importance of proactive prevention.
- 2. Consensual Screening: Administering early developmental screenings within preschools, strictly following written parental consent.
- 3. Comprehensive Evaluation: Performing in-depth assessments for children identified through screening as being at developmental risk.
- 4. Parental Counseling: Providing expert counseling to parents and engaging in collaborative, shared decision-making regarding next steps.
- 5. Referral Pathways: Directing families to public diagnostic centers or specialized medical services whenever secondary, formal diagnoses are required.
- 6. Tailored Intervention: Delivering individualized intervention plans and continuously monitoring outcomes to evaluate effectiveness.
Tangible Social Impact
In recent years, over 3,000+ preschool children have been screened, of whom 15% were identified with developmental or emotional difficulties. These children were either directed to public health services or received direct, immediate intervention through our program.
By fostering a solid alliance among parents, educators, and children, the program promotes deinstitutionalization, ensures school readiness, and lays the groundwork for full social integration.
"Theotokos" Foundation - Certified Provider of Early Intervention Services
