First, the Basics... (continued)
What services are available?
The Early Intervention Program offers many types of early intervention services. Early intervention services are services that are:
- Aimed at meeting children's developmental needs and helping parents take care of their children.
- Included in an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) agreed to by the parent and the Early Intervention Official.
Here's a list:
- Assistive technology services and devices.
- Audiology.
- Family training, counseling, home visits, and parent support groups.
- Medical services only for diagnostic or evaluation purposes.
- Nursing services.
- Nutrition services.
- Occupational therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Psychological services.
- Service coordination services.
- Social work services.
- Special instruction.
- Speech-language pathology.
- Vision services.
- Health services needed for your child to benefit from other early intervention services.
- Transportation to and from early intervention services.
Respite services
What is respite?
Respite is temporary care of a child with a disability, given to provide relief to the family. Sometimes, the demands of caring for an infant or toddler with disabilities are overwhelming. Respite can help reduce family stress. Some families use respite services to keep appointments, run errands, spend time with other children and family members, or just relax.
How can I get respite services?
You can ask for respite as part of your Individualized Family Service Plan. Some factors that weigh into decisions about respite are:
- Severity of a child's disability and needs.
- A child's risk of out-of-home placement.
- Lack of other supports to the family.
- Stressful family situations.
- The need for respite expressed by parents.
How are Early Intervention services provided?
Only qualified professionals – individuals who are licensed, certified, or registered in their discipline and approved by the State – can deliver early intervention services. All early intervention services can be given using any of the following service models:
- Home- and community-based visits. In this model, services are given to a child and/or parent or other family member or caregiver at home or in the community (such as a relative's home, child care center, family day care home, play group, library story hour, or other places parents go with their children).
- Facility or center-based visits. In this model, services are given to a child and/or parent or other family member or caregiver where the service provider works (such as an office, a hospital, a clinic, or early intervention center).
- Parent-child groups. In this model, parents and children get services together in a group led by a service provider. A parentchild group can happen anywhere in the community.
- Family support groups. In this model, parents, grandparents, siblings, or other relatives of thechild get together in a group led by a service provider for help and support and to share concerns and information.
- Group developmental intervention. In this model, children receive services in a group setting led by a service provider or providers without parents or caregivers. A group means two or more children who are eligible for early intervention services. The group can include children without disabilities and can happen anywhere in the community.
