This program serves children from birth to three years of age who are determined to be eligible. A child is deemed eligible if the evaluation results yield a delay of 25% or more in one or more developmental areas. A Case Manager or Service Coordinator from a Base Service Unit or County Office of Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities makes referrals for services.
The objective of Early Intervention is to increase the functional and cognitive skills of a child with disabilities leading to greater independence. Early Intervention services and supports also help parents/caregivers understand the unique needs of their child as well as the strategies and activities that can increase their functional skills and independence in regularly established routines of the family.
Early Intervention services are comprised of services which include but are not limited to: assistive technology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech-language pathology and special instruction. Services and supports are provided by qualified Early Interventionists or therapists representing specific disciplines.
Following an initial evaluation, done by an independent agency, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed for each child and family. This plan defines the specific goals and outcomes desired by the family, and the particular services and supports that will be provided to facilitate the achievement of these goals. Progress towards outcomes indicated in the IFSP is reviewed every three months and changes to services are generally made at that time.
Based on the goals, services and supports defined in the IFSP, individual therapists, teachers and/or other professionals begin working with the child and family. Services and supports are provided in the natural setting for each child, which is generally in the family’s home or some other community setting. Intervention sessions usually last about 30 minutes to an hour, and a child may have several sessions in a week by staff from various disciplines. Sessions will include a variety of activities depending on the needs of the child, which focus on such things as communication, gross and/or fine motor skills, socialization, self-help skills and cognitive skills. Where it has been identified that specific goals are best achieved in a group or center-based setting, this is also a program option.
