Philosophy
Building a stronger social and economic future for the State of Georgia by promoting high quality early childhood experiences of children with DD.
Avis Bostic, children and family program specialist, believes that families are the primary support for children with developmental disabilities. I recognize that families may need supports from formal and informal networks to assist them in meeting their unique and varied needs, as well as to provide their children with the chance to reach their full potential as they grow up.
Goals
- To assist in the development and implementation of state policies that effect children with DD and their families.
- To promote full participation, coordination, and cooperation of all appropriate public agencies in the state, to improve children services.
- Monitor services of state regional offices, service providers, service coordinators, and input from parents of children with developmental disabilities.
- To assist in the identification of state policy problems and extent appropriate assistant in resolution of disputes.
- To advise and assist State educational agency regarding the provision of appropriate services for children.
- To advise or assist appropriate agencies with respect to the community integration services for children with DD.
- To monitors sources of fiscal and other support for services for early intervention services and services for children with DD.
Principles
- Supports focus on the entire family, not just the child with a developmental disability.
- Families are seen as unique and best able to define their own needs. Families direct the supports they receive.
- Families have choices about who provides support to them.
- Supports change as families' needs and desires change.
- Supports should be provided before families experience extraordinary stress
and feel in "crisis". - Families are given assistance, information and knowledge necessary to make choices and decisions for themselves.
- Children’s unique abilities, needs and preferences are recognized and they are encouraged to learn, grow and develop relationships.
- Families, including their children with disabilities, are supported to enjoy and participate in all aspects of community life.
- Care and support from neighbors, extended families, friends, and religious and community organizations are important. Family support services build on these existing sources of support.