Diversity Spotlight: The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs Builds Support Systems Around Birmingham-Area Children and Their Families

The Bell Center brings a unique transdisciplinary approach to early intervention for children at risk for developmental delay in Birmingham and across Alabama. Started 39 years ago in a small Sunday school classroom, the center has grown into an 18,000-square-foot premier facility that changes the lives of hundreds of children and families every day.

Early Intervention to Maximize Potential

Marketing and Development Director Stacey Morales says the center’s mission is to maximize the potential of infants and toddlers at risk for development delay, and the key is getting started as soon as possible. Alabama’s public schools offer early intervention programs starting at age 3, and the Bell Center fills a critical need for intervention starting at birth.

The center serves children experiencing a wide range of delays and diagnoses, but parents don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to enroll. Research shows that the earlier kids can start therapy, the better their outcomes, so the Bell Center recommends getting children started as soon as a delay is noticed. Parents can self-refer their children, and the center has great relationships with local pediatricians, agencies and hospitals who refer their patients to the center.

From the first evaluation to graduation from the program, the Bell Center focuses on what children can do. Instead of focusing only on the delay or diagnosis, they turn their attention to each child’s potential and how they can help them achieve it. They do this by providing each child with support in every developmental domain — an approach unique to the region and most of the country.

A One-of-a-Kind Approach to Therapy and Family Support

Each therapy class is run by not just one therapist, but a team of four - a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist and an early childhood special education teacher. Each member of the team, in addition to being an expert in their field, is also equipped to help every child meet their goals in each area. The center now has four therapy teams to help meet the growing need for services in the region. Last school year, the center served 128 children and their families, and they hope to serve 150 this year.

Every child’s journey at the center starts with an in-depth evaluation, where center staff sit down with children and their parents to learn about them. Then they work with the child’s doctor to create a customized goal plan and work with the child to achieve each goal, one milestone at a time.

When children start at the center as infants, they join a one-on-one therapy class that includes three infants and one caregiver, while parents watch and wait in a viewing room. This doesn’t just help the children to be around others their age — it also creates an instant sense of community for the families in the viewing room, giving them a chance to connect with other parents going through similar experiences. The center facilitates these bonds deliberately because they’re dedicated not only to helping children, but supporting their families as well. They understand the financial and emotional challenges and feelings of isolation many parents are facing. The center works to help families feel comfortable, know their child is being taken care of, and look toward the future with hope and positivity.

As children get older, they move into toddler group therapy sessions with up to eight children. A therapy team leads the class, and each child has a volunteer to help them one-on-one. While the classes focus on social, emotional and sensory therapy, the services are customized for each child to help them accomplish their individual goals. Most children attend a few sessions a week, and after every class, center staff explain to parents what they covered and how the parents can support their children’s progress at home.

After graduating from the Bell Center, children can take their next step into school better prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.                  

Supporting the Center’s Impact

While the Bell Center’s therapy team model is considered best practices and achieves the best results, it’s also a more costly approach. Families are asked to pay a small therapy fee per session, but they are never turned away for inability to pay. The center provides almost half of their families with reduced or full scholarships, and another 15% have third-party assistance from family members or community groups that come together to pay for their services.

This is where community partners like you can help. Even with therapy fees, the center relies on the community for about 75% of the funds needed to give children throughout Alabama these life-changing services. So how can you help?

• • Financial contributions, whether through donations or support at fundraisers, go a long way toward helping the center meet its operating budget and giving parents piece of mind. Many travel from all over the state to receive services, so lifting some of their financial burden helps them stay positive and focus on supporting their children’s goals.
  • Volunteering allows the center to ensure each child has one-on-one support in group therapy classes and helps them keep their operations running smoothly.
  • Attending events and spreading awareness is also a great way to support the center’s mission. Stacey mentioned that every time she speaks about the center — at an event, conference or lunch and learn — attendees approach her afterward with questions, and they all know someone who needs the center’s services. Getting the word out about what the center does and that children don’t need a diagnosis to start therapy helps the center reach more children and families.

The center’s hosting a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss, including Tailgate Challenge on Aug. 27 and the center’s golf tournament and Poinsettia sale this fall.

Phelps’ Birmingham office managing partner, George Morris, noted, “As our office was looking for ways to support the local community, I had an opportunity to tour The Bell Center’s facility and talk with its staff. I was blown away by what I learned and knew it was an organization we had to support. Given my background in child and family counseling, I know how important early intervention is and how much support is needed for parents of children with developmental delays. It is clear that The Bell Center provides a vital service to children and families that has a real and positive effect.”   

“Connectivity” and “inclusiveness” were the two words Stacey used to describe the center’s biggest impacts on the community. At the center, families experience nothing but support, hope and positivity, and Phelps is proud to stand with them as they help children across Alabama realize their potential.