A Guide for Families
The Multidisciplinary Evaluation
The first step after deciding to contact the Early Intervention Program
is to have the child evaluated by a small team of professionals The evaluation
is done at no charge to the family.
During the evaluation, the parents and the profesionals play with the
child parents are asked many questions about what the child does at home.
By looking at how the child performs during the evaluation and what the
parents say the child does at home, the professionals evaluate the following:
- Gross motor skills (how the child moves)
- Fine motor skills (how the child uses their hands)
- Language skills (how the child uses sounds, words and gestures
to express needs, and how they respond to what other people say
- Personal social skills (how the child gets along with others)
- Self-Help skills (how the child eats, drinks, and sleeps)
- Cognitive skills (how the child thinks and learns)
At the end of the evaluation, the professionals will share their observations
and suggest to the family what services the child might need.
Individualized Family Service Plan
The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a step-by-step plan
that outlines what services the child needs and what the goals of these
services will be. The plan is written by the professionals who evaluate
the child, the family and anyone else the family would like to invite
With the team's help, the family identifies changes they want to see
as a result of the Early Intervention Services. The plan will specifically
state what resources and professionals will be used to carry out the
plan.
Service Coordination
Every family receiving Early Intervention Services is assigned to a
service coordinator The service coordinator helps the family to:
- Learn about the child's development and disabilities
- Find resources and answers to questions concerning the child's medical
condition
- Identify other people or programs that might offer support or help
to meet the goals for the child
- Write the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) so everyone
involved in the child's care knows what the goals are
- Coordinates services outline in the IFSP to ensure that everyone
is involved
- Ensures the family knows their rights and responsibilities
Cost for Services
Services provided at no charge include:
- Assessment and Evaluation
- IFSP Development
- Procedural Safeguards
- Service Coordination
There is a fee for all other Early Intervention services Some services
can be paid for by medical insurance If services are not covered and
the family is experiencing a financial hardship, fees may be adjusted
No family is ever denied services because of inability to pay.
What Happens After Early Intervention?
Many children stay in Early Intervention Programs through age two.
If the child continues to need help, there are programs in the community
for children over age two Some chidlren go to the public schools'
preschool programs. The Service Coordinator will help you find the
right place for your child.
For more information about resources
and services for
infants and toddlers with special needs please call (804) 768-7205
|
