The CATCH program prioritizes early intervention to developmental delays by providing developmental screening, evaluation, and therapy for children aged 24 months through five years old. The CATCH program model allows families to address these issues before children begin kindergarten and reduces barriers to access to speech and language, occupational, and behavioral therapies for underserved children in Manatee County.
Developmental Screenings
Screening focuses on language, articulation, connected speech, social/interpersonal communication skills, stuttering, voice disorders, motor skills, and more. Screenings are provided to children in their childcare centers on-site. Children not attending a childcare center or family childcare are screened at the Step Up Suncoast office.
If the screening identifies a possible concern, parents receive the screening results as well as referrals for further evaluation and therapy.
Evaluation
If a delay is identified, our specialist works with the child's family in order to determine their family's ability to access further evaluation and/or therapy, considering factors such as insurance coverage, finances, transportation access, and local support systems. Referrals to private providers are made if insurance or family means make private care a viable solution for the family. Where appropriate, the specialist also refers clients to the Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resource Systems within the Manatee County School District and Gulf Central Early Steps for further assessment and/or therapy.
Speech-and-Language, Occupational, and Behavioral Therapy
Families unable to access therapy due to a lack of transportation or financial resources are eligible to receive services through licensed therapists provided by the CATCH program. Services will be provided in the child's childcare center or through telehealth. Screenings and subsequent therapy appointments are provided year-round, on weekdays, during the hours of operation of the childcare centers of the children being served.
This program is available to families living in Manatee County.