HOPE is a program within the Pediatric Health Related Services (PHRS) Department, which provides a comprehensive approach to child development in a group setting. Through the program, the Ranken Jordan team enhances the progress of children with complex physical and medical problems by strengthening their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.   Children cope through their play and this program provides that outlet.

For the children in this program, the staff creates developmental profiles establishing their functional levels and designing individualized treatment strategies.

These children usually require intense one-to-one contact with adults and have much less peer contact than most children their ages. To address this issue, HOPE emphasizes group activities and interaction.

Children are divided into three age groups with developmentally appropriate activities: infants, preschool toddlers, and school-age/adolescents.

Therapists structure peer group activities to promote self-reliance and social interaction, and to allow children to employ new skills in play and in daily routines. Each week has a theme with practical activities for reinforcing and practicing basic social skills and concepts.

Interdisciplinary teams include:

 

· Music Therapist (American Music Therapy Association)