ServiceNet’s REACH Early Intervention Program Enhances Services

NORTHAMPTON — More than 30 staff members in ServiceNet’s REACH Early Intervention Program recently completed a customized, strengths-based family-engagement training through the Brazelton Touchpoints Center (BTC). ServiceNet’s REACH program works with children from birth to age 3 in Hampshire County, Franklin County, and the North Quabbin region who have various risk factors or developmental delays. The REACH team includes developmental specialists; physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists; and more.

The goal of Touchpoints training is to give REACH’s early-intervention professionals additional tools to support the development of strong, strengths-based bonds between caregivers and children during the vital early developmental phases. This training empowers ServiceNet’s early-intervention team to offer personalized care and address the unique needs and strengths of every family it serves.

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care partnered with Brazelton Touchpoints Center in June to offer training to 200 state workers in early education. By training REACH staff in this shared methodology, ServiceNet will be better able to collaborate with key state agencies in early education and care, all with the goal of best supporting families.

ServiceNet’s implementation of the Brazelton Touchpoints approach was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Beveridge Family Foundation. “We are immensely grateful to the foundation for their support, which has allowed us to broaden our expertise and enrich our approach in supporting early-childhood development,” said Polly Normand, vice president of Community Programs. “We are committed to offering the highest quality of services to the families in our community, and the Touchpoints training plays a valuable role in achieving this goal.”