RISE and SHINE Playgroup offers families on the waiting list for RISE Center an opportunity to receive special education services. The therapeutic playgroup meets every other week for one hour and is led by an early childhood educator. Playgroup includes activities that target all areas of development. The RISE Center therapy team includes a Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Music Therapist. These therapists rotate participation during Playgroup sessions, providing therapy intervention and services. A caregiver attends each Playgroup session with their child to ensure that therapy services are targeted and that carryover can be executed in the
child’s natural environment.

A typical Playgroup session mimics the routines of early childhood education experiences. Children are exposed to group activities including music, story time, center time, play and gross motor activities. Families interested in participating in Playgroup are asked to complete a Family Intake Form to provide the RISE Center team with current information regarding their child. Additionally, families are asked to complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire to pinpoint their child’s strengths and to identify a child’s developmental or social-emotional concerns. Throughout playgroup experiences, families receive coaching and support for targeting developmental milestones. Progress is monitored by the RISE therapy team.

If you have any questions regarding the RISE and Shine Playgroup, please contact Joylyn Boggs, RISE Center Family Service Coordinator at [email protected] or 205-348-9182.