There are a number of ways you can find help for your child.
You can visit the Web site: www.nichcy.org/states.htm to obtain a state resource sheet. You can also call NICHCY at 1.800.695.0285 and ask one of the information specialists to give you the number for early intervention services in your state.
How else might you find out about early intervention services in your community?
Here are two ways:
* Ask your child’s pediatrician to put you in touch with the early intervention system in your community or region;
* Contact the Pediatrics branch in a local hospital and ask where you should call to find out about early intervention services in your area.
It is very important to write down the names and phone numbers of everyone you talk to. (You can use the Parent's Record-Keeping Worksheet found on this website to do this.) Having this information available will be helpful to you later on.
What do I say to the early intervention contact person?
Explain that you are concerned about your child’s development. Say that you think your child may need early intervention services. Explain that you would like to have your child evaluated under IDEA. Write down any information the contact person gives you.
The person may refer you to what is known as Child Find. One of Child Find’s purposes is to identify children who need early intervention services. Child Find operates in every state and conducts screenings to identify children who may need early intervention services. These screenings are provided free of charge.
Each state has one agency that is in charge of the early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs. This agency is known as the lead agency. It may be the state education agency or another agency, such as the health department. Each state decides which agency will serve as the lead agency. The agency listed on the NICHCY State Resource Sheet under the heading “Programs for Infants and Toddlers: Birth Through 2” is your state’s lead agency.
What happens next?
Once you are in contact with the early intervention system, the system will assign someone to work with you and your child through the evaluation and assessment process. This person will be your temporary service coordinator. He or she should have a background in early childhood development and ways to help young children who may have developmental delays. The service coordinator should also know the policies for early intervention programs and services in your state.
The early intervention system will need to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention services. To do this, the staff will set up and carry out a multidisciplinary evaluation and assessment of your child.
