Health department outlines 'First Monday' pilot to help children with special health needs; state extends funding two years

Chautauqua County public health officials presented a pilot program designed to expand services for children and youth with special health care needs, receiving praise from committee members and a two‑year extension of state funding.

Public Health Director Lacy Wilson and public health planner Steve Kilburn described the “First Monday” pilot: monthly parent–child groups that combine child skills development, parent support and education, and a hands‑on nutrition and food‑preparation class run with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The county is providing free transportation through CHQ Transit to reduce access barriers.

Kilburn said the health department manages several state‑mandated programs — services for children and youth with special health care needs (SHIN), early intervention (birth to age three) and preschool special education — and that gaps exist in provider capacity. The department reported roughly 400 children in early intervention, about 250 children receiving related services at home, and very limited therapist supply (presenters cited five physical therapists servicing the early intervention caseload), which constrains how often children can receive services.

The pilot addresses workforce and access barriers by offering group‑based therapeutic activities that pair children with parents so caregivers learn techniques they can continue at home. The program includes partnerships with local providers, the JCC and a children’s gym in Dunkirk for site space, and a cooperation with the county’s JCC physical therapy assistant program in the south county model.

Presenters said the pilot began at two county sites (a north county childrens gym and a south county JCC). One group had 11 families and about 13 children; a spring site ranged between six and 10 families; a summer session was set to start with roughly 10 families and 17 children. Because the pilot is proof‑of‑concept, referrals were paused while program outcomes are evaluated. Staff said the state announced funding for two additional years, enabling expansion and evaluation.

The presentation included a short video and family testimonials describing improved child socialization, reduced separation anxiety and parents learning healthy recipes to use at home. Kilburn said the department will use evaluation benchmarks to determine whether to scale the model, seek continued state support or pursue alternative funding.

Committee members praised the program, asked practical questions about capacity and location, and cautioned against overselling while demand is managed. Staff invited members to contact the department for more information and said they will report pilot outcomes through the health department’s evaluation processes.

The committee did not take a formal vote on this presentation; the announcement of the state funding extension and continued pilot work were informational and advance the program’s evaluation phase.