Services for early educators

Matheny’s Community Services department has created a new program called “Services for Early Educators,” which assists local child care centers and preschools in educating children with special needs. We recognize the passion that early educators have to provide the best early education experience to all of the children at their centers.

We also know that children do not exist independently – they are part of a family. Quality early educators are equally committed to providing assistance and support to families so they make the best choices for their children.

Matheny’s “Services for Early Educators” program provides continuing education for staff, behavioral consultations within classrooms and support to families of the children served.

For more information about this program, call Linda Newsome at (908) 234-0011, ext. 751, or email her at lnewsome@matheny.org

Sandra Van Nest at her display table.

Matheny employees wore blue on April 25 to support National Autism Awareness Month and to learn more about the autism spectrum. Sandra Van Nest, LCSW, field supervisor in Matheny’s Community Services program, presented autism intervention materials and handouts and answered any questions staff members had about autism. As a developmental interventionist in New Jersey’s Early Intervention system, Van Nest often interacts with autistic children and their families in their homes.

The role of a developmental interventionist, Van Nest says, is, “to look at the overall development of a child with an eye for the cognitive development and social and emotional development. Children with autism,” she continues, “aren’t necessarily going to catch up by preschool or kindergarten, so we’re looking at long-term therapy for these kids.”

The autism awarness day at Matheny was coordinated by Joan Ray, RN, MA, COHN-S, Matheny employee health coordinator.