by Deirdre C. Wright
Before children are born, many parents imagine them to be on an ideal developmental path. They envision perfect little babies growing into rambunctious, vital toddlers before moving on to kindergarten.
But many children stumble on that early developmental path. Some face challenges that are obvious from their very first days. Others start out just fine but begin to miss milestones.
Parents know their own children best. They may notice missed developmental markers and hope the child will catch up. Many times they do. But when a small worry becomes a nagging concern, it could be time to initiate evaluations to determine whether the child is experiencing a true developmental delay.
The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare defines the five primary development areas as:
• Physical development — the ability to move, see, and hear
• Language and speech development — the ability to talk and express needs
• Social and emotional development — the ability to relate to others
• Adaptive development — the ability to eat, dress and take care of themselves
• Cognitive development — the ability to think and learn
If you believe your child is not progressing on schedule in any of these areas, it’s time to talk to your pediatrician. She might ease your worries by reassuring you about your child’s developmental timeline. Or she might suggest that it’s time to begin the process of obtaining a formal evaluation through the state early intervention (EI) program.
It’s important to remember that a quick visit to the pediatrician might not reveal a child’s more subtle weaknesses. If you are still concerned after reassurances by a doctor, it’s okay to get a second opinion or initiate the EI process without a doctor’s recommendation.
What Is Early Intervention?
EI is a system of coordinated services and supports designed to help families with children with developmental delays during the critical early years. The process promotes collaboration between parents, service providers and others significantly involved with the child.
EI services to eligible children and families are federally mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). There is no cost for these services.
Early intervention can include a variety of services, depending on the needs of the child. Typically, a service coordinator is assigned in the very earliest stages of contact.
Depending on the state and the age of the child, the service coordinator will either come to the home to visit the child and family or set up an appointment for the child to be seen at a location designated by the agency.
The service coordinator collects specific information, explains how EI works and what to expect, and might prepare the family for a multidisciplinary evaluation. This very thorough evaluation assesses the child’s developmental levels and needs and is used for planning.
If the child is eligible for EI, the child’s EI team (parents, evaluators, the service coordinator and any other parties invited by the parents), create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP is a written document that identifies services and supports needed for children ages birth-3 and their family. Eligible children older than age 3 receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Available Services
The services outlined in an IFSP can include any of the following, based on need: assessment, assistive technology, audiology services, developmental intervention, family training and counseling, health services, medical services, nursing services, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, service coordination, social work
services, speech/language pathology, transportation and vision services.
The types of services provided vary by state. In most cases, services are delivered in settings that are natural for the child, including the family home, childcare settings, and other places where children usually spend time.
Whatever the setting, services must be based upon the strengths and needs of the child.
Making the First Call
Each state has its own system of managing and delivering EI services. For parents unfamiliar with EI, sorting through various state and county offices can be tricky. But making an initial contact with the right office and being diligent about following through the EI registration process will pay off in big dividends for the child.
Delaware: Child Development Watch, a program administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, is the statewide EI program for children from birth to age 3. Referrals to this program can come from any source, but most commonly come from hospitals and physicians.
• Northern Delaware, 302-995-8617
• Southern Delaware, 302-422-1335
www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/chs/chscdw.html
New Jersey: The EI program serves infants and toddlers, birth to age 3. Families or professionals who are interested in finding out about EI services should contact Special Child Health Services in the child’s county of residence:
• Burlington County, 609-267-1950
• Camden County, 856-374-6021
• Gloucester County, 856-262-4158
www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/eiphome.htm
Pennsylvania, suburban: The state’s Department of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Retardation, operates the EI program for children from birth to age three.
For age 3 to “beginners” (typically, 5-year-olds), the Penna. Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, manages the preschool EI program.
To find the right office to call, contact the CONNECT Information and Referral Helpline. CONNECT staff will direct you to the appropriate office or agency for your county. 800-692-7288, www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/EarlyIntervention
Philadelphia: Residents can make a direct call to ChildLink, a program that serves as the “single point of entry” for the city’s EI program, 215-731-2110, www.phmc.org/early/early.html
Parents as Advocates
Research continues to prove that a child’s long-term prognosis is much better for children with developmental delays who are evaluated and treated early.
All parents are advocates for their little ones. But parents of children with special needs face unique challenges. They must learn their rights and stay up-to-date on the child’s specific special need to ensure that the child is getting appropriate and timely services.
Fortunately, there are many resources for parents who want to find information about special education law and advocacy. (See the article You’ve Got the Power.)
It’s important for parents to not become overwhelmed by the process of obtaining services for their child. Acknowledging that the child needs special help and standing firm and strong to get that help is the greatest gift a parent can give.
Deirdre C. Wright is a freelance writer specializing in children with challenges.