Contact Us
To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us:
The Fernandes Center for Children and Families
222 Milliken Boulevard
Fall River, MA 02721
Get directions
Phone: 508-235-5285
Infant and Toddler Program at Saint Anne's Hospital
When a very young child is in need of a specialized service, expert care delivered in a family-centered setting and within a caring environment is the desire of every parent and caregiver.
At the Fernandes Center for Children and Families, our infant and toddler program provides specialized, comprehensive services for infants and young children from birth to two years of age. Our expert staff of dedicated pediatric specialists will support you and work with your child’s physician in determining how best to provide for your child’s needs.
Services
Specific professional services available include:
- Behavioral health support
- Developmental pediatrics
- Feeding evaluation/therapy
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional evaluation
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech Language therapy
- Youth Trauma Program
The Youth Trauma Program is a program of the Justice Resource Institute in collaboration with Saint Anne’s Hospital. To refer, please call 508-674-5600, ext. 2283.
Conditions We Treat
Children are evaluated for each service individually and can also be seen in our multidisciplinary clinics.
As part of the Infant and Toddler Program, we evaluate and treat the following conditions:
- Atypical motor development
- Developmental delays
- Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty
- Feeding difficulties
- Infants poorly tolerating belly time
- Poor weight gain
- Sensory dysregulation difficulties
- Torticollis
- Social-emotional behavior difficulties
Our team of pediatric specialists collectively has years of experience as well as training in evidence-based practice models. We work to establish an individualized plan of care tailored to your child’s needs and to coordinate services with providers within the program as well as in the community.
Questions and Answers About Referral to the Program
How do I know if my baby/toddler needs to see a professional?
Parents are usually the first to notice something does not seem just right. If you have concerns regarding any aspect of your baby’s or toddler’s development, speak with your pediatrician and request further evaluation. It is not always clear if intervention is necessary; a specialized evaluation provides a wealth of information to help you.
How long will it take to get an appointment?
Infants and toddlers receive priority scheduling. Often, the first appointment can occur within two to four weeks of receiving the referral.
Will there be any cost to me?
Our services are covered by most insurance plans. Co-pays are collected if they are required by your carrier.
Can I bring other adult family to support me?
Yes! We encourage all family members to be onvolved with the plan of care.
Can I see another professional if I already have early intervention in my home?
Yes, we coordinate care with local programs. Often, our services will add to what is already in place.
Evaluations are conveniently scheduled in our Fall River location at 222 Milliken Boulevard.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Referrals to the program can be made by your child’s pediatrician, primary care provider or medical specialist.