ReadyStart
ReadyStart Has a Vision….that all adults will experience healthy, productive lives as a result of the nurturing relationships, positive early learning experiences and support of their communities in the first five years of life.
ReadyStart Has a Mission…..to support through promotion, early identification and intervention, the healthy development and welfare of babies, young children and their families.
Description:
For the past 26 years, we have been known as: Infant and Toddler Intervention Program. In the last year, we have worked very hard with volunteers, staff and experts to help us define who we are as an agency, what role our agency plays in the community, and what the vision is for this agency’s future. We found that our name no longer fits. That’s why we’re unveiling a new name: ReadyStart. (effective September 2007)
Who We Are –
We are the voice for the infants and young children of North Texas. ReadyStart focuses on the healthy development and well-being of children birth to five. These years represent the most critical time for healthy development. Research shows that if we can impact a child during these first few years, we can impact the adult this child becomes.
As a non-profit organization we look at the development of North Texas children from a community perspective. We help identify gaps in services for infants and young children. We work with families, medical groups, educational groups and community services. We help agencies and organizations work effectively by creating a collaborative culture where the needs of very young children come first.
History:
1979-80
“Infant Stimulation Services” a program of North Central Texas MHMR was created. Residents of Collin, Denton and Hunt Counties were eligible for services. Judy Erickson, a parent of a child with a disability was chairperson of the steering committee. Services were scheduled to begin in the summer of 1980.
1980-81
Infant Stimulation Services was renamed “South Collin County Infant Program (SCCIP)”. The agency located its headquarters at Disciples Christian Church in Plano, Texas. Administrative and direct service staff consisted of four employees. South Collin County Infant Program began providing early intervention services to nine children. Services were provided in a center-based setting with the capacity to serve twelve children. Funding for the program was provided through a federal grant under the auspices of North Central Texas MHMR, sliding-scale fees and private donations. SCCIP was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Total agency budget: $63,081.
1982-83
SCCIP began offering a limited amount of home-based services to children and their families. SCCIP was awarded a grant from the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention to expand the provision of services to children from birth to three years of age who were experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Total agency budget: $73,947.
1986-87
Federal legislation, Public Law 99-457 was passed, permitting the Texas Interagency Council to apply for funding to plan and implement early childhood intervention (ECI) programs. SCCIP became one of many ECI programs to benefit from $3 million in federal funds. Total agency budget: $150,114. Total children served: 74.
1987-88
SCCIP became a affiliate member of The United Way of Collin County. Total agency budget: $162,629. Total children served: 80
1988-89
The provision of home-based services was expanded to better meet the needs of children and families. Total agency budget: $174,343. Total children served: 84.
1989-90
The Texas Legislature appropriated an $11 million increase in ECI funding. As a result, SCCIP and other Texas ECI programs were instructed to come into compliance with Public Law 99-457. Total agency budget: $189,678. Total children served: 109.
1990-91
As a result of P.L. 99-457: SCCIP eliminated fees for service and all waiting lists; the agency began billing private insurance as a means to offset costs of services to children and families; services began to be provided to children in natural environments (home and community based settings); center based services were eliminated; children were transitioned to other service settings on their third birthday. Total agency budget: $235,928. Total children served: 94.
1993-94
Due to growth in the number of children served and the need for additional space to accommodate staff, the agency relocated to Brandywine Place on Park Blvd. in Plano. Total agency budget: $347,829. Total children served: 177.
1998-99
Due to growth and a need for more space, the agency relocated to Gables Court on Independence Parkway in Plano. Total agency budget: $1,383,603. Total children served: 569.
1999-00
The agency submitted a bid and was awarded a contract to expand ECI services into Denton and Wise Counties. In an effort to better reflect the new service area, the agency name was changed to Infant & Toddler Intervention Program of North Texas (ITIP). The agency’s corporate office remained in Plano with satellite offices opening in Denton and Decatur. The agency experienced a 54% increase in growth in children served over a 12-month period. Total agency budget: $2,380,238. Total children served: 1,240.
2000-01
ITIP celebrated its 20th anniversary as a Texas ECI Program.
2007 - Name change to ReadyStart
Contact people:
Office fax number: (469) 385-2983
Address:
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1701 North Collins Blvd. Suite 100Richardson, TX 75080(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.readystart.org
Directions:
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Directions to ITIP Office – Richardson Location
Coming from the North: (McKinney, Plano, Allen and points north of the GBT (George Bush Tollway - 190)
South on 75. Take Campbell Rd. Ext.
Stay on service road to light at. . . (more)
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Richardson,
Walk distance (in minutes): 20
Nearest Bus Stop: Richardson, 5 minute walk |
| Last updated on August 20, 2009 |
