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Young Children with Special Needs


BabySignLanguage.com

Baby sign language is a way for all parents to improve early infant communication and communicate with children before they can speak. This website has free resources including videos, downloadable flash cards, and tutorials.
babysignlanguage.com

BOLD Beginning! Ohio Early Childhood Programs

Anyone with young children in their life can use this website to learn about Ohio’s early childhood programs and agencies. There is helpful information about developmental milestones, screenings, emotional wellness tips, healthy pregnancy and more. Use the Child Care Search tool to find a quality program near you.
boldbeginning.org
Child Care Search: childcaresearch.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Children and Youth: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov

Boundless

Serves: Children, teens, individuals, and families with ID/DD and/or behavioral health challenges.
Provides person-centered care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. They offer primary care, dental, psychiatry, outpatient behavioral health, community-based ABA, care coordination, long-term and temporary residential support, in-home and out-of-home respite services, day programs, and afterschool programs. Family Support Services are provided by the State of Ohio for families who need help keeping their loved one at home. Services vary by location, find details and request an appointment on their website.

  • Worthington Campus and Administrative Office:
    445 East Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 844-3800
  • Newark:
    22 North First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 334-4056
  • West Carrollton:
    700 Liberty Lane, West Carrollton, Ohio 45449
    (937) 247-2400
    Center-Based ABA: (937) 672-1587
  • Mahoning Valley Campus of Care:
    1960 East County Line Road, Mineral Ridge, Ohio 44440
    (330) 596-1042
  • Medina:
    1065 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256
    (330) 596-1042
  • Perrysburg:
    28555 Starbright Boulevard, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
    (567) 312-4722

(800) 409-2729
iamboundless.org

Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center

Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, families, and adults.
Nonprofit education center serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. Bridgeway Academy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide private school-day education from preschool through high school, life skills training, vocational training, and transition to adulthood support. Bridgeway Therapy Center serves Bridgeway Academy students and outpatient clients for music therapy, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and family partnership services. Clinical staff work with families and professionals to assess, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans in client-centered therapy sessions. They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
AAC Center Informational Handout: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/08/AAC-Evaluation-Center-Handout.pdf

Child Development Council (CDC) of Franklin County

Delivers Head Start and Early Head Start educational services to infants and children ages 6 weeks-5 years. They operate childcare centers and provide home-based services. Programs include developmental screenings, nutrition services, onsite medical screenings, kindergarten readiness preparation, speech, vision, and hearing screenings, and family case management. Children in kinship care, foster care, families that are homeless and children with disabilities have priority for enrollment. Visit the website for Head Start locations and Child Care partner agencies.
Enrollment Line: (614) 271-4056
Main Office: (614) 431-2186
cdcheadstart.org

Childhood League Center

Serves: Families with children under the age of 6, children with autism or developmental delays
Early childhood educational services for children including early childhood intervention, toddler classes, and home visits. Their preschool program serves a 50:50 ratio of children both with and without developmental delays, a research-based approach aimed at creating inclusive communities. The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented autism intervention for young children. The center also has educational resources for families, training opportunities for professionals, and community events. Find program and enrollment details online.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org

Columbus Area Speech Therapy

Provides mobile pediatric Speech Therapy services, including Myofunctional Therapy, for kids of all ages in Ohio. In-person services can be offered at your home, school, or daycare in Franklin, Union, Madison, or Delaware Counties. Online sessions are available to anyone in Ohio at a discount. Sessions can be at no cost to families through the The Jon Ptereson or The Autism Scholarship, and families can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for to pay for services.
3693 Hilliard Station Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 657-5673
columbusareaspeechtherapy.com

Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC)

Provides childcare for children ages 6 weeks-5 years at their five Early Learning Centers in the Near East and Linden neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Their centers use a play-based curriculum and positive discipline. The Alum Creek Early Learning Center is a PreK-12 school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and the Myrtle Avenue Early Learning Center is for ages 4-5. The ParentChild+ Program provides free home-visits, books, toys, and referrals to community services for families with a child 1-2years old. The Healthy Families America program provides free, in-home child development assistance for expectant parents or parents of newborns to learn about creating a safe home environment, soothing crying babies, and promoting healthy development.

  • 1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43209
    (614) 253-5525
  • 240 North Champion Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 253 – 5525 ext. 4
  • 1150 East Main St., Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 253 – 5525 ext. 6
  • 760 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 253 – 5525 ext. 5
  • 1400 Mrytle Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43211
    (614) 365 – 7962

columbusearlylearning.org

Columbus Hearing Impaired Program (CHIP)

Free program through Columbus City Schools to support Deaf or Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Works with central Ohio school districts to provide services such as access to extracurriculars and transportation to suit individual needs. Find enrollment details online.
(614) 365-5977
ccsoh.us

Columbus Speech & Hearing Center

Program: Nonprofit providing occupational individual and group therapy, audiology and hearing aid services, speech-language therapy sessions and evaluations, community outreach programs, American Sign Language classes for adults and youth ages 16 and older, and a Support Service Provider program.
Eligibility: Varies by program, serves young children (under the age of 6 years old) up to seniors (65 years old and older)
Cost: Varies by program; self pay and accept many insurances, including Caresource, Molina and Medicaid
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization

  • Dublin Location: 5155 Bradenton Avenue, Dublin, Ohio 43017
  • Clintonville Location: 510 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Westerville Location: 470 Olde Worthington Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082

(614) 263-5151
columbusspeech.org

Deaf Services Center (DSC)

Non-profit serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind community. Services include ASL classes, C-Print, interpreting, case management, early intervention for ages 0-3, employment services, adaptive equipment programs, youth mentoring programs and summer camps.

  • Central: 5830 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 841-1991 or (614) 515-6065 VP
  • Northwest: 1002 Garden Lake Parkway, Toledo, Ohio 43614
    (419) 720-3935 or (419) 386-2627 VP
  • Southern: Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
    (740) 357-7713 or (740) 370-1254 VP

dsc.org

Directions for Youth & Families (DFYF)

Program: Offers youth and their families mental and behavioral health services. Licensed social workers and counselors provide counseling and clinical treatment programs addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. They also offer parenting classes, free kindergarten readiness programs, and after-school and summer programs at their two youth centers.
Eligibility: Varies per program, serves those from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income); most programs are free.
Referral:
Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else for counseling programs; psychiatric services require referral through a Directions for Youth counselor.

  • DFYF Main Office: 1515 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 294-2661
  • Ohio Avenue Youth Center: 657 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 258-8043
  • Crittenton Center: 3840 Kimberly Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 694-0214

Central Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org

Easterseals Central & Southeast Ohio

Serves: children and adults with developmental disabilities
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services include early childhood education, adult day services, in-home care, referral services, and outpatient therapies. They also offer afterschool programs and summer day camps for children.

  • Central and Southeast Ohio: 3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
    (614) 228-5523
  • Cuyahoga Falls: 1212 Portage Trail Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223
    (234) 417-0250
  • Chillicothe: 1855 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
    (740)773-1273
  • Lawrence County: 97 Private Road Eighty South Point, Ohio 45680
    (740) 894-7560
  • Medina: 5041 Victor Drive, Medina, Ohio 44256
    (330) 722-8558
  • Portsmouth: 3858 US Highway 23, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
    (740) 716-7295

easterseals.com/centralohio

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO)

Serves: Preschoolers and Students ages 18-22 with special needs who have deferred their high school diploma.
The ESC offers multiple programs on the campuses at Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University to create individualized transition plans for students and help them meet their career and lifestyle goals. Each program includes help with activities of daily living, hands-on experience at multiple work sites, on-campus, and in the community. They also host an Early Learning Peer Model Program with small group instruction for preschool-aged children. Find program details and application instructions online.

  • Campus-Based Transition: (614) 445-3750
  • Peer Model Program: (614) 542-4106

2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
www.escco.org/Default.aspx

Flying Colors Public Preschool

Provides developmental evaluations, early intervention, and special education services for children living in Granville, Heath, Licking Valley, North Fork and Johnstown School Districts. They also offer  a  social-behavioral program for students, ages 2 ½ – 6, with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or significant communication and social emotional deficits.
119 Union Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
lresc.org/FlyingColorsPreschool.aspx

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.

  • East Opportunity Center
    1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center
    1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center
    314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

Healthy Hearing

This online resource offers great information about hearing and hearing loss, and a national clinic directory to help you find a provider near you. They also have an online hearing test and lots of information on topics like hearing loss in children, various hearing diagnoses, assistive listening devices, and navigating insurance and financial help.
(800) 567-1692
healthyhearing.com

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Big Lots Behavioral Health Services & Community Resource Directory

Offers inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services for youth up to age 21. Treatment areas include mental health crisis, anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ODD, conduct disorders, autism, and psychosis. Use the online Community Behavioral Health Resource Directory to find treatment providers and community resources across Ohio by diagnosis, type of service, organization name, or county.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
nationwidechildrens.org/behavioral-health

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families. 
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:

  • Project SEARCH: 9-month workplace internship for Central Ohio students in their last year of high school who have Autism and/or Intellectual Disability with Complex Social and Communication Needs.
  • Triple P Stepping StonesIndividual or group classes for parents with children under 12 years old struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges of ASD.
  • Sibshops: Siblings of children with autism and other developmental delays (ages 6 to 12) participate in fun activities to explore feelings and better understand their sibling.
  • Adolescent Transition ProgramsIncludes Camp RISE summer program, CARE coping and relaxation group, iWork summer job skills program, and Social Skills Group.
  • Complex Behavior Program: Teaches effective strategies for parents to help reduce dangerous or problematic behavior patterns, and build coping skills.

187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
For an Autism Diagnostic Screening: (614) 355-8080
For all other Autism resources: (614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Hearing Clinic

Provides comprehensive services for children with hearing loss, including diagnostic assessment, early intervention, audiology, and specialized speech services. A multidisciplinary team of pediatric professionals works with families to assess the child’s needs and determine appropriate treatment. Additional Support Services are available for children under 3 years old with sensorineural hearing loss. They also offer regular Hearing Team Education, a series of educational presentations, and Hearing Loss Support Groups for parents, caregivers, and teens.
555 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Main Office and Referral: (614) 722-6200
Support Services: (614) 722-2441
Support Groups: (614) 722-3049
nationwidechildrens.org/hearing

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Occupational, Speech & Physical Therapy Programs

Provides developmental occupational therapy (OT), speech and language therapy, and physical therapy (PT) services. Services are provided at the main hospital and at many clinic locations throughout the community, for children from birth to age 21.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2200
Occupational Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/occupational-therapy
Speech Pathology: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/speech-pathology
Physical Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/physical-therapy

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192 or (855) 983-9955
nisonger.osu.edu

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

Statewide nonprofit organization serving educators, agencies, and families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio. Programs include 1:1 reading mentoring, It’s My Turn free online self-advocacy course for middle and high schoolers, Family-to-Family meetings for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, and parent mentoring. Families and professionals can find helpful trainings, videos, and tipsheets on their website. Call your county’s Information Specialist for help getting connected to resources in your area.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
Information Specialist Directory (Click on your County): filecabinet5.eschoolview.com/7132D93C-113A-42DB-AD9B-3D42946C44E5/effd8e8a-ebbd-4eb0-8dea-6fee64aba5a4.pdf
Main Website: ocecd.org

Ohio Departments and County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

The Department of Developmental Disabilities is a statewide system of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities, and their families. Each county in Ohio has its own Board of Developmental Disabilities, which is the place to start for determining eligibility, assessing your needs, and coordinating which services can best support you. Their offices can help you with early intervention programs, healthcare services, waivers and scholarships, job training and employment, unusual incident reporting, and more.

  • Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: dodd.ohio.gov
    30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (800) 617-6733
  • Delaware County: dcbdd.org
    7991 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
    (800) 474-9787 or (740) 201-3600
  • Franklin County: fcbdd.org
    2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
    (614) 475-6440
    24-hour Emergency: (614) 464-2743
    FCBDD Location Directory: fcbdd.org/about-us/directory
  • Ohio Association of County Board of Developmental Disabilities: oacbdd.org/index.php
    Represents the county boards throughout Ohio, monitors legislation at the state and national level. Their website lists helpful advocacy information for individuals, families, and professionals.
    73 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 431-0616
  • Find Your County Board of DD: dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/all-family-resources/4-find-your-county-board

Ohio Early Intervention (EI) / Help Me Grow

Statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of children under age 3 with disabilities or developmental delays in Ohio. Parents and caregivers with concerns regarding their child’s development can have their child evaluated for free. A service coordinator works with families to develop a coordinated Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to support their child’s development. Contact them through the website.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
ohioearlyintervention.org

Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD)

Provides support and education to Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Students with an IEP are eligible at no cost. Students are educated at OSD as the district of service, but remain a student of their home district. The home district must request placement for a student to attend. OSD offers year-round after school programs, summer programs, 4Plus transition/career readiness program, family events, and more.
500 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 728-4030
osd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/osd

Red Treehouse

Online resource directory supporting families and children with life challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources and organizations to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges, medical conditions, and topics of interest.
redtreehouse.org

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides information and videos to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

Sesame for Families: sesameworkshop.org/resources
sesamestreet.org/home

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL)

Assists people of all ages with all types of disabilities to live more independently. The majority of their board and staff are people with disabilities, assisting others with disabilities. They provide information and referrals for housing, education, transportation, assistive technology, and benefits. They also offer Advocacy/Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and help locating other community-based services.

  • Fairfield County: 418 South Broad Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
    (740) 689-1494
  • Hocking County: 96 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138
    (740) 380-1475

socil.org/

SproutFive Early Learning

Provides quality, holistic early childcare and education for ages 6 weeks-5 years with a focus on community partnerships and family empowerment.  Programs include infant care, preschool, Head Start, special needs services, and Family Resource Center. Tuition options include publicly funded Title XX, early care and education grants, Early Start Columbus, Military/Veteran support, and private pay with sliding scale. Their website also has resources on professional learning for educators. Call or go online for enrollment details and to request a tour.
Office: 1621 West First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
Childcare Center: 280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 444-1529
sproutfive.org

St. Vincent Family Center (SVFC)

Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino children. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old.
Cost: Therapies can be billed to Medicaid and a variety of insurances.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org

The Art of Music

Uses movement, music, and art to bring kids together and provide an enriching experience. They offer year-round 6-week sessions, small groups, and summer camp for ages 1-21, as well as adult groups. Each session is a blend of music and visual art experiences that actively involve children of all abilities. Find program details and sign up online.
129 Orangewick Drive North, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(937) 645-7641
theartofmusicllc.com

What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention is a range of services for infants and toddlers up to age three who are experiencing a delay in some area of their development.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids

Non-profit providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and assistive equipment to families of children with physical disabilities. All services are offered at no cost to families that qualify.
(727) 946-0963
wheelchairs4kids.org



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