Child Development

Through our Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), the child development program is the largest and the best known in the New York area. The program occupies a position of leadership in the diagnosis and treatment for children with developmental disabilities.

Specialists from both the United States and many other countries receive training in this program. Many of these professionals become leaders in developing similar centers elsewhere. Research is conducted in the fields of mental retardation, learning disorders and other developmental disabilities.

These highly specialized services are provided by CERC and the Fisher Landau Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities and the Early Childhood Center.

The Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC)

CERC provides a broad spectrum of clinical services for infants, children, adolescents and adults with development disabilities. CERC's activities have expanded considerably since it opened in 1956. It now serves more than 8,000 children and families each year. It offers:

• Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment through an interdisciplinary approach, and oversees 14 outreach sites in the Bronx
• The services of over 130 healthcare professionals who staff the programs, including developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, rehabilitation medicine specialists, psychiatrists, speech, occupational and physical therapists, a nutritionist, nurses, dentists and specialists in learning disabilities
• Programs for adolescents with developmental disabilities and associated psychological problems

The Fisher Landau and Early Childhood Centers

These centers specialize in the early detection and treatment of learning and developmental disabilities. The participation of parents and caregivers is an essential component. The Centers offer:

• A family-based assessment of very young children to identify developmental problems
• An individualized treatment plan tailored to the child and his or her family
• Services necessary to improve the child's skills in problem areas such as development, language and age-appropriate play skills, emotional support and guidance for parents and guardians
• Referrals to the New York City Early Intervention Program
• Diagnostic evaluations and psychoeducational treatment for learning disabilities
• An adult literacy program