Speech-language Therapy

Speech-language therapy addresses the communication needs of children. Speech therapists work on what children understand (receptive language), what they have to say (expressive language) and how they say it (articulation/phonology and pragmatics). We work through a total communication approach, incorporating the use of sign language, picture symbols, and other modes of augmentative communication into therapy.

Occupational therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy improves the areas of fine motor, visual perception, and cognition through purposeful everyday activities. The areas addressed include hand skills, sensory function, eating, self-care, social skills, and play/leisure skills.

Early Intervention

The North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program is a variety of agencies working together to provide early intervention services for children ages birth to three who have special needs and their families. Early intervention services help young children grow and develop and support their families in caring for them. The agencies responsible for early intervention in our area are called Children's Developmental Services Agencies. Children enrolled in the Infant-Toddler Program may be eligible for a variety of services, including evaluations, service coordination, assistive technology, and specialized therapies. Early Bird serves South Charlotte and Union County and is on the provider lists of both the Mecklenburg County Children’s Developmental Services Agency (Carlton Watkins Center) and Concord Children’s Developmental Services Agency. A child may be eligible therapy services on a sliding scale through their county and state. For more information on North Carolina Early Intervention Program and Children’s Developmental Services Agencies, please see www.ncei.org.

Community Based Rehabilitative Services
and Special Education

Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS.) is developmental intervention uniquely designed to enhance cognitive, physical, behavioral, self-help, social-emotional, and language skills. This rehabilitative therapy for infants and toddlers is “play with a purpose.” CBRS is one service available to support children and families from birth to age three who have been determined eligible by the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) for the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program. Visit the North Carolina Early Intervention website www.ncei.org for more information on the CDSA in your area and the NC Infant Toddler program.

In addition to CBRS for birth to three year olds, Early Bird also offers a similar service for children over age three. We will address your child’s needs in your home or in their preschool environment; assist in working toward improved participation and performance across all areas of development.

Advocacy

Let us help to teach you how to be a more effective advocate for your child. We offer consultation including face to face, record reviews, assistance and participation in meetings for goal planning and placement. Visit the Wrightslaw website for more information about advocacy and special education.

Where are services provided?

Early Bird's services are provided in your home, your child's daycare, school, or anywhere your child usually spends his/her time.

Insurance / Medicaid

It is our goal to provide our patients with the best and affordable therapy services possible. Early Bird accepts Medicaid. Although we are not currently in-network with any private insurance companies, we will file your insurance claim and will work with you on payment arrangements should your insurance not pay for services. Our staff will obtain any necessary precertification and/or authorizations needed prior to the initiation of therapy services. We will verify each patient’s insurance benefits specific to therapy, and will explain these benefits to each family. We request that all copays, deductibles, and any other fees that are not covered by insurance be paid at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.