Parent Coaching Services

Provided by Zee Parton, Early Childhood and Development Professional

(Ages Birth through Age 8)

• Pediatric Sleep Help: I am a Pediatric Certified Sleep Consultant certified through the Family Sleep Institute, the only training program that is backed and supported by a recognized sleep expert and physician, Dr. Marc Weissbluth. The program also aligns with the sleep standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I am certified to work with children starting at 4 months of age so that they are developmentally in a place to be able to understand the separation of day and night sleep. I am not a Sleep Consultant who will simply tell you to let your child cry. My belief is that by the time you are seeking external help, you have let your child cry as much as you are comfortable with letting them cry. While I am trained in the Cry-It-Out Method, I am trained in several other methods as well. The thing that I can offer that other Sleep Consultants can't is that since I am also a Developmental Therapist and Early Childhood Professional, I combine that knowledge with the sleep methods that I am trained in and I work with you to come up with a comprehensive plan that incorporates your child, their personality, their development, and your comfort level. Please reach out and let's talk about what your family may  be needing and what makes the most sense for the goals you have for your child. This services can be done virtually anywhere in the country or in person in my office in the Bloomington-Normal community in McLean County, Illinois. 

• Autism Services (An ABA Alternative): As an expert in Early Childhood as well as a developmental therapist, I have worked with families in their homes that are not interested in ABA Therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy) or have tried it and found that it is not for them. I come to your home for a get-to-know-you with your family and learn about your specific situation and we work together to create goals for your child and your family. I then work with you on daily routines and interactions that will give you the tools to help your children meet their goals. We meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to discuss what is working and what is not working and adjust our plans from there. I believe that you are the expert on your child and through our partnership, we can help your child reach their goals. I can work with your child in all developmental areas, however if they need outside help such as a speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, etc., I will help you understand your community options. I always stay very honest with what I can help with and what is beyond my scope of practice, as I want your child to succeed as much as you do, so knowing my own limitations is a part of making sure your child has comprehensive care. These services are best done in person, but can be done virtually if you feel that I can fully grasp the depth of your child's needs virtually if outside of a 30 mile radius of the Bloomington-Normal community in McLean County, Illinois. 

• "Coming Out"/LGBTQIA+ Services: Do you have a child or a family member that just "came out" as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community? Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community (18+) that needs to "come out" in some way and are looking for support and real-life help from someone who has "been there"? Are you unsure of what to do next? Are you needing general guidance in how to help your child or loved one while also make sure you are working through your own thoughts, concerns, fears, or just wanting to "do it right"? Please know you are not alone! As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have had parents reach out to me asking "how do I handle this" when they are suddenly given this new information. I also have the unique perspective of having grown up in a very conservative church and attending a Christian college for two years, I have a solid understanding of Biblical knowledge of beliefs around the LGBTQIA+ community and what the Bible teaches in this area, as I have had to go through my own process of aligning who I am with what I was taught. This does not mean that my viewpoints on the LGBTQIA+ population align with conservative views, but I do understand them. Seeing things from both sides has shown in my work to help individuals and families find peace in their personal journeys. My goal as a coach in this area is to help you have a safe place to come process your own thoughts and feelings in this area while also helping you know how to help your child and get your child the supports they may need. I can help you know what your child may be needing from you as well as helping give you space and time to adjust to all of the new knowledge. Our first priority will be the immediate safety of your child and how you can help protect them as you both move through this process. Suddenly learning new pronouns? Figuring out what different words mean? Do you have fears and concerns for what life will be like for your child if they are perceived as "different"? Please know that there is a safe space to find these answers. This service is provided virtually or in-person at my office in the Bloomington-Normal community in McLean County, Illinois. 

• Parenting Doesn't Come with a Handbook! If you feel like as a parent, grandparent, or guardian it would be helpful for you to have someone to touch-base with about what to expect developmentally for you child ages 0-8, then this section is for you. Sometimes we just need to ask someone outside of our circle the questions we are having. Family and friends are well-meaning, but sometimes there are questions that still tug at you. Or if you are wanting general knowledge when it comes to Early Childhood Education or Development, then please reach out! If it is not an area that I feel that I am experienced enough in to help you out, we'll find someone together that can help you! Let my 22 years of working in the area of Early Childhood work for you! No question is too big or too small.