By ROBERT LINNEHAN
Bancroft Neurohealth will be hosting an open house tomorrow for its new full-day daycare center for children with autism and youngster with developmental issues.
An open house for the program has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the facility at 812 Kings Highway, Haddon Heights. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the daycare center will be held at 4 p.m.
Little Butterflies, launched by Bancroft, will serve about 40 children ranging from infancy to age 7, including those with autism spectrum disorders and or other developmental disabilities, and typically developing children, according to Bancroft representatives.
“Most daycare centers are not set up to handle the needs of children with developmental issues and often don’t accept them. Bancroft wanted to address that need for parents,” said Sharon Jurman, senior director of early childhood and outreach services for Bancroft.
Little Butterflies has specially trained staff members who will provide a full day of structured activities, as well as art, music and community outings, and will ensure a well-rounded learning experience for children with different means of learning and communication, Bancroft representatives said.
Communication is a major focus of the new center’s program. Unlike typical daycare centers, Little Butterflies will engage children through whatever form of communication the child uses, including sign language, gestures or pictures. In addition, a variety of professionals will be available on-site for consultations, including behavioral therapists and special-education professionals.
