EARLY INTERVENTION
What is the Early Intervention (EI) Program?
The EI Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a federal grant program for states. Early intervention services are for children with disabilities from birth until their third birthday, and their families. EI services are also available for military families living abroad and for residents of US territories.
How can I find out if my child can receive EI services?
All states have an EI program. There is a difference between diagnosis and eligibility. Your child does not need a diagnosis of developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to qualify for EI services. Eligibility varies from state to state, because states define developmental delay in different ways. In some states, children at risk for delays due to a medical diagnosis may be eligible for intervention before delays appear. Contact your child’s pediatrician, state health department, or local school district to determine how to have your child evaluated for EI services. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center has a list of EI program coordinators for each state. You can find this list at www.nectac.org.
Who can refer a child for EI services?
Anyone, including a doctor, parent, or childcare provider, can refer a child for EI services. Referrals can be made without a diagnosis. You state’s EI program will evaluate your child free of charge to find out if he qualifies for services.
What services are provided through an EI program?
A team of specialists will determine which services your child needs and will then develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Your state’s EI program will also assign a service coordinator to work with your family to help coordinate services. When possible, your child will receive services in a familiar place, such as at home or at his child care facility.
An IFSP explains the services needed for each individual child to help them progress developmentally toward meeting appropriate milestones. An IFSP must include:
- The child’s current developmental level
- Family strength and needs
- Ways to improve the child’s development
- Key outcomes expected
- Specific services that the child and the family will receive
- Goal dates for starting and ending services
- Name the service coordinator in charge
- Steps to help the child and family transition to school services at 3 years of age. This is only if the child still has developmental needs requiring preschool therapy or instruction.
Do I have to pay for EI services?
Payment for EI services varies by state. Some states give services at no charge to parents or caregivers. Other states bill insurance or charge for services depending on the family’s income. Some services will be given even if a family cannot pay. All states must give at least some services free of charge, including:
- Screening young children who have developmental and behavioral problems
- Evaluations to determine which services the child qualifies for
- Coordinating services
- Making, reviewing, and evaluating the IFSP
AAP Feed run on: 9/12/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/12/2024
EARLY INTERVENTION
What is the Early Intervention (EI) Program?
The EI Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a federal grant program for states. Early intervention services are for children with disabilities from birth until their third birthday, and their families. EI services are also available for military families living abroad and for residents of US territories.
How can I find out if my child can receive EI services?
All states have an EI program. There is a difference between diagnosis and eligibility. Your child does not need a diagnosis of developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to qualify for EI services. Eligibility varies from state to state, because states define developmental delay in different ways. In some states, children at risk for delays due to a medical diagnosis may be eligible for intervention before delays appear. Contact your child’s pediatrician, state health department, or local school district to determine how to have your child evaluated for EI services. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center has a list of EI program coordinators for each state. You can find this list at www.nectac.org.
Who can refer a child for EI services?
Anyone, including a doctor, parent, or childcare provider, can refer a child for EI services. Referrals can be made without a diagnosis. You state’s EI program will evaluate your child free of charge to find out if he qualifies for services.
What services are provided through an EI program?
A team of specialists will determine which services your child needs and will then develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Your state’s EI program will also assign a service coordinator to work with your family to help coordinate services. When possible, your child will receive services in a familiar place, such as at home or at his child care facility.
An IFSP explains the services needed for each individual child to help them progress developmentally toward meeting appropriate milestones. An IFSP must include:
- The child’s current developmental level
- Family strength and needs
- Ways to improve the child’s development
- Key outcomes expected
- Specific services that the child and the family will receive
- Goal dates for starting and ending services
- Name the service coordinator in charge
- Steps to help the child and family transition to school services at 3 years of age. This is only if the child still has developmental needs requiring preschool therapy or instruction.
Do I have to pay for EI services?
Payment for EI services varies by state. Some states give services at no charge to parents or caregivers. Other states bill insurance or charge for services depending on the family’s income. Some services will be given even if a family cannot pay. All states must give at least some services free of charge, including:
- Screening young children who have developmental and behavioral problems
- Evaluations to determine which services the child qualifies for
- Coordinating services
- Making, reviewing, and evaluating the IFSP
AAP Feed run on: 9/12/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/12/2024
