Parents who are concerned about their youngster’s developmental progress
can now jump start the assessment process by accessing an online questionnaire
through the Project Self-Sufficiency website.
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire is designed to focus on the areas of
communication, gross and fine motor skills, and social development. After parents complete the online
questionnaire regarding their child’s development, an Early Childhood
Specialist follows up with parents to address concerns and connect them to
resources to support the child’s needs.
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire is a service of the Early Childhood
Specialist program at Project Self-Sufficiency, a three-year program funded by
the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
The Ages & Stages initiative is a natural extension of the services
provided by Project Self-Sufficiency explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive
Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.
“Project Self-Sufficiency has referred local families to area resources
for many years as part of our case management, central intake and home
visitation services. The Ages &
Stages questionnaire is an important tool to help connect parents to the
resources they need for their child’s development.”
The Early Childhood Specialist program operates in alignment with Project
Self-Sufficiency’s established programs including Sussex Warren Project Family
Connect Central Intake, the Sussex County Council for Young Children and the
Sussex County Family Success Center. Sussex
Warren Project Family Connect Central Intake is provided by Project
Self-Sufficiency through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health. The one-stop source for information links
individuals to medical, educational and social services which can enhance their
overall health and quality of life, including health care, maternal infant and
early childhood home visitation programs, domestic violence shelters and
support services; educational alternatives; family support programs; financial
assistance; employment training; infant and child care; early intervention;
referral to emergency housing and utility assistance services; as well as
programs for senior citizens, veterans, and other community services and
programs.
The
Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is a program of support
offered to all families. In addition to
parenting skills training, local families can participate in family activities,
receive information about health and nutrition, take part in economic
self-sufficiency programs, receive legal education, obtain referrals, and other
services throughout the year.
Project
Sussex Kids, the Sussex County Council for Young Children, is funded by the New
Jersey Department of Children and Families and focuses on the health, education
and safety of the prenatal to age 8 population and their families. The program
has a meeting structure that incorporates a Steering Committee, a Special Needs
Subcommittee, a Spanish Families Subcommittee and a General Council whose aim
is to provide education and connect families to community resources.
Project Self-Sufficiency is a community-based non-profit organization
which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New
Jersey. Programs offered at Project
Self-Sufficiency include family literacy education, computer training and job
placement services, assistance with parenting skills, childcare, counseling and
advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs. For information about the programs and
services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org
or call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500. Information
about the Sussex County Family Success Center can be found at www.sussexcountyfamilysuccesscenter.org while
Project Sussex Kids can be accessed at www.projectsussexkids.org.
