Even though I have friends whose children have benefitted from The Bell Center, I have to admit I didn’t know much more about it . . . until today! I got to chat with Holley Steele, a Physical Therapist at The Bell Center. I learned just what a jewel Birmingham has in The Bell Center. For 40 years, this program has served more than 2,500 children with developmental delays in Birmingham (and beyond).
The Bell Center, tucked into a precious side street in Homewood, is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children at risk for developmental delays from newborn to three years old.
What exactly does “at risk for developmental delays” mean? Being at risk for developmental delays can include having the following: premature birth, low birth weight, difficulty feeding, as well as confirmed genetic diagnoses.
The Bell Center treats them all, and Birmingham Mom Collective is happy to share more about its mission. Here are a few things you should know about The Bell Center:
1. The Bell Center Offers Free Tours.
Sometimes all it takes is a mom’s intuition to seek out a second opinion. In that case, The Bell Center always welcomes parents and caregivers to inquire. Parents can contact The Bell Center for a tour and ask more questions even before having a pediatrician’s recommendation.
After that, parents will receive an enrollment packet and take the next steps toward enrollment.
2. The Bell Center Will Find Space For You!
Surely there’s a long waiting list, right?
Holley says, “Actually, we do our best to have no waiting lists and to enroll every child who needs us.”
3. The Bell Center Can Assist With Costs.
The Bell Center serves all socioeconomic levels, and scholarships are available to assist with evaluation costs and therapy fees. They understand families can be overwhelmed with medical bills and equipment and want to relieve families of extra financial burdens if possible.
4. The Best Team
Holley’s joy for her job overflows: “Everyone who works at The Bell Center loves working here–no one wants to leave!” She said the therapists work together day after day to help each child succeed and reach their full potential.
Staff members work hard to bring the best outcome possible for each child, and to do this, they strive to earn additional certifications and continuing education. Seven therapists have NTMTC (Neonatal Touch Massage Therapy Certification). This infant program incorporates education on infant regulation and massage strokes that promote self-regulation, digestion, and feeding. They do this all while providing support to the parents!
5. The Community of Families
Holley says one of the “biggest blessings of The Bell Center is the friendships and community the families have with one another.” The Bell Center offers many family events and fundraising opportunities where families get to know one another well. The community lasts far beyond the family’s time at The Bell Center.
A Typical Week at the The Bell Center
The Bell Center offers both infant and toddler classes where children come two to four times every week.
Infant Classes
Infants (along with a family member) come to The Bell Center for hour-long sessions in a one-on-one format with a transdisciplinary team member. This team includes an early childhood special education teacher, a speech/language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and a physical therapist (like Holley)! Families work with their therapists to learn how to best continue the therapies at home.
Toddler Therapy
As infants grow into toddlerhood, they transition into group therapy sessions at The Bell Center. Toddler therapy sessions rotate through circle time, sensory exploration, motor movement, centers, and snack time to work on therapy goals in every development area while increasing social interaction and building friendships.
Specialized Care for Special Little Ones
The Bell Center also provides resources such as adaptive toys, tricycles, walkers, gait trainers, and more–even loaning these out for kids to try out at home. These services are unique from Alabama’s state early intervention services which take place at home. The Bell Center provides a therapeutic space where children and families can learn and grow together.
Ask anyone who’s been blessed by The Bell Center, and they will tell you just what a special place it is. Some families travel up to two hours each week to attend The Bell Center. The staff loves watching children journey from newborn to toddler to graduation, and then helps them transition into their local school system preschool services.
The Bell Center employees and volunteers cheer on these children every step of the way! If you would like more information or to schedule a tour, please tell The Bell Center Birmingham Mom Collective sent you!
