October 2020: Pierre Triplett and Keisha Barnard had heard good things about Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center, and were looking for a different childcare for their two-year-old daughter, Malia. When Pierre and Keisha toured Bidwell, they saw an organized, well-kept, and clean environment with a positive energy, and soon Malia was enrolled and making friends.
Every child gets screened for developmental delays in speech, fine motor, and large motor areas within six weeks of enrolling by a therapist from Children’s Therapy Services. If it is determined that a need exists then the child will receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy right on site at Bidwell. This is very helpful for the parents because it doesn’t interrupt their day at work and the children have a lot of fun working with their therapist. One of the goals at Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center is to help children develop in all areas on a consistent trajectory and therapy helps with that goal.
It was determined that Malia needed speech therapy, and she began right away. After working with the speech therapist, her speech became more clear and easier to understand, and maybe the best part is that Malia seemed to feel more confident in herself.
When COVID-19 hit this year, Pierre and Keisha kept Malia at Bidwell because they knew that Bidwell kept a clean environment and they had confidence that the teachers and director would do what was necessary to keep their daughter safe. It’s important for parents and staff to feel safe and to keep our children learning, growing, and feeling cared for during this uncertain time. Many things can wait during this time of COVID-19, but a child’s development cannot.