All About Early Intervention
Early Intervention services are mandated by federal law, but how each state implements them varies. Below I have listed the “nitty gritty” and details you should know. At the very end, I’ll list out information for my local families.
What is Early Intervention?
Early intervention services can help children from birth through 36 months of age learn new skills, whether they have been identified recently with gross or fine motor delays or already have a diagnosis.
Early Intervention services can include:
Family training, counseling, and home visits
Occupational, physical, or speech therapy
Hearing loss services
Health, nutrition, or social work
Assistance with service coordination
Assistive technology devices and services
Transportation.
Early Interventionists work closely with the following professionals:
Occupational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Physical Therapists
Educational Specialists
Social Workers
Nurses
Child Psychologists
What is the Process?
A great place to voice your concerns is, of course, your pediatrician. If they agree with your concerns, you can have them submit a referral to your local Early Intervention office. This referral can go to an agency, a school district, or a provider. But it is not mandatory to have your physician do the referral - you as a parent can do so yourself!
Referral: This can come from various sources, including parents, pediatricians, childcare providers, or other professionals who have concerns about a child's development.
Evaluation: Once a referral is made, the child will undergo an evaluation to determine if they are eligible for early intervention services. This evaluation typically includes assessments in different areas of development, such as communication, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
Development of IFSP: If the evaluation indicates that the child is eligible for services, a team of professionals, including the child's parents, will work together to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP outlines the child's strengths and needs, as well as the family's priorities, goals, and the services that will be provided to address those needs.
Service Delivery: Once the IFSP is developed and agreed upon by all team members, services will be provided to the child and family. These services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental interventions, and more, depending on the child's individual needs.
Monitoring and Review: The IFSP is a dynamic document that is reviewed regularly (usually every 6 months) to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to goals and services. The child's progress is monitored, and changes can be made to the IFSP as needed to ensure that the child is making meaningful progress toward their goals.
Transition Planning: As the child approaches the age of three, transition planning begins to help the family prepare for the transition from early intervention services to preschool or other community-based services. This may involve coordinating with the local school district or other service providers to ensure a smooth transition.
Can we also get private therapy?
Yes! A combination of the two is what we have always done. Private insurance would cover the private therapy (or Medicaid if you are eligible) and it can be used in conjunction with Early Intervention Services. Early intervention crafts personalized strategies for both child and family, akin to a tailored game plan. Meanwhile, outpatient therapy provides specialized, one-on-one support to help your child thrive.
If your work hours (or lifestyle) do not allow your child to receive private therapy at a brick and mortar location, you can always ask if they are able to visit your home, your daycare provider, etc.
How much will this cost?
It's important to check with your state's early intervention program or local health department to understand the specific eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms in your area. But it would be rare to pay out of pocket. The programs will ask to bill your insurance to supplement the funding they receive from federal and state funding. The services are typically funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources, including Medicaid, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other government programs.
The IDEA Part C program mandates that early intervention services be available to eligible children from birth to age three, regardless of their family's income.
Any downsides?
While early intervention services offer numerous benefits and support for children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families, there are some potential downsides or challenges to consider:
Limited Resources: Depending on the area and available funding, there may be limitations on the types of services offered, the frequency of services, or the availability of qualified professionals. This can result in waitlists or delays in accessing services.
Stigma: Some families may feel stigmatized or judged for accessing early intervention services, especially if they perceive it as a sign of their child's limitations or disabilities. However, it's important to remember that early intervention is designed to support children's development and empower families.
Time Commitment: Participating in early intervention services often requires a significant time commitment from both the child and their family. This may include attending regular therapy sessions, participating in meetings with service providers, and implementing strategies at home.
Emotional Impact: It can be emotionally challenging for parents to accept that their child may have developmental delays or disabilities. Participating in early intervention services may bring up feelings of guilt, grief, or anxiety about their child's future.
Coordination of Services: Families may need to coordinate services from multiple providers, including therapists, educators, and medical professionals. This can be complex and require effective communication and collaboration among team members.
Transition Planning: Transitioning out of early intervention services when the child turns three and entering a new educational or support system can be daunting for families. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Despite these potential challenges, early intervention services can have a profound positive impact on children's development and outcomes. It's essential for families to weigh the benefits and potential downsides and advocate for the support that best meets their child's needs.
As we continue to grow in acceptance and understanding of developmental delays and disabilities, there should also be more options to coordinate the mental health and logistical situations many families find themselves in.
I was a stay-at-home mom with a supportive family and struggled mightily keeping everything organized. At times it didn’t seem possible to continue doing everything, and our therapists were incredibly supportive. Never feel like you cannot communicate your own thoughts - if you as a caregiver are not feeling supported, no amount of therapy or interventions will help your family. Everyone needs to be taken care of.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, have questions, or just need a “big sister” to help you through this, please don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a time to meet.