Facility Sought for Disabled Children

An Easter Seals early intervention program for toddlers with disabilities needs a new home. said program coordinator Maria Diaz.

For three years the nonprofit organization has conducted sessions for developmentally delayed 1- to 3-year-olds in donated classroom space at the West Valley Special Education Center in Van Nuys.

But this fall the special education center expanded its therapy program, leaving no classroom space for the Easter Seals group.

“In the meantime, we’re holding classes in our office in Van Nuys, but it’s about half the size of the classroom and we don’t have other facilities like the playground,” Diaz said.

The group, which currently has five toddlers enrolled, meets for two hours on Tuesday and Friday mornings for bilingual instruction. Parents stay during sessions and interact with the children and teachers.

“It’s set up like a preschool, but at a pace for disabled kids,” Diaz said. “Some are in wheelchairs, some are autistic and others have Down syndrome.”

Any group or school interested in donating classroom space to the Easter Seals may call (818) 996-6302.