Navajo Nation Early Intervention Program
The Navajo Nation Growing In Beauty program (GIB) meets the needs of Navajo children with delays or disabilities from birth to five years of age while honoring the unique culture and language of the Navajo people.
The Growing In Beauty staff provide service coordination and direct services, which includes:
- Receiving and processing referrals from pediatricians, health care professionals, and other service providers
- Providing developmental assessment and evaluation for at-risk children along with GIB Partnership Program staff from Northern Arizona University-Institute of Human Development (NAU IHD), St. Michaels Association for Special Education (SMASE), and University New Mexico Center for Development and Disability (UNM CDD)- Growing and Beauty Developmental Services.
- Making referrals and ensuring that support and services are provided via a Team Based approach by Early Intervention specialists
- Provide transition supports into appropriate early childhood settings or preschool programs
- Providing ongoing developmental screening and family support
- Providing advocacy and training for families
Key Principles of Early Intervention (EI)
- Children learn from everyday experiences with their family/caregiver.
- Any family, given needed supports and resources, can help their child learn.
- EI providers work with family/caregivers.
- EI is based on the changing needs, learning style, and preferences of families and children.
- IFSP outcomes are based on child & family needs, routines and priorities to enhance learning and development.
- Team leads receive support from the team.
- Services are based on validated practice, research, laws, and regulations.
- Work with families is done best with reflection and self-awareness.
Hozhóogo Jinoosééł
Growing In Beauty’s mission is to assure that all Diné children with a developmental delay or disability, between the ages of birth to five, grow into beautiful individuals.