We get many questions about early intervention so we’ve compiled some information that may be helpful to parents and guardians who are in the process of getting early intervention services or are soon transitioning their child to the public schools because their child is turning three.
early intervention
The primary focus of early intervention is family education, training and support. The program is designed to enable parents and other caregivers to assess their child’s developmental needs, incorporate educational and therapeutic strategies into daily routines and utilize available community resources.
Children between birth and three years of age who exhibit developmental delay or are at risk for a developmental delay because of health or environmental conditions are eligible for early intervention. Early intervention specialists including; educators, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and nurses work with families to develop strategies to incorporate intervention objectives into their daily routines. Services are provided in the family’s home, the child’s daycare, the early intervention center or other community locations where the child and family spend time.
Early Intervention (EI)
Early Intervention serves families with children from birth to age three. EI is a statewide, integrated, family-centered service available to families of children who have established risk, developmental delays or possible risk factors for developmental delay.
Special Education
Special Education provides services to pre-school age children, ages three to five. An Individual Education Program (IEP) outlines special education and related services for eligible pre-school age children so they can make effective progress and participate in preschool. See workshop information below.
early intervention resources
Massachusetts Resource - www.massresources.org/pages.cfm?contentID=105&pageID=8&Subpages=yes
This link will answer the following questions:
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•What is Early Intervention?
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•Am I eligible?
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•Can noncitizens get Early Intervention?
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•What benefits will I get?
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•How much does it cost?
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•How do I apply?
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•How do I use my benefits?
Early Intervention (EI) - Health and Human Services - www.mass.gov/dph/earlyintervention - Ron Benham, Director, Early Intervention Program - Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition - 250 Washington Street - Boston, MA 02108 - Tel: (617) 624-5901 - Fax: (617) 624-5990 - TTY: (617) 624-5992 - Email: Ron.Benham@state.ma.us
Early Intervention Directory - www.massfamilyties.org/directory/ei.pdf
Criterion – Middlesex Early Intervention Program - www.criterionchild.com/ei.html
651 Franklin St., Framingham, MA 01701 - (508) 620-1442
Towns Served -- Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Sherborn, Sudbury, Wayland
HOW TO APPLY
Parents, medical providers, community agencies and child care providers may call the program to refer a child if there are concerns related to the child’s development. A screening will be scheduled to determine eligibility.
For Referral Call (508) 620-1442
The early intervention program provides services to all eligible children and their families without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, country of national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or handicapping condition.
Massachusetts Family TIES - www.massfamilyties.org/ei/eiwelcome.php
Federation for Children with Special Needs - Information on Early Intervention - www.fcsn.org/pti/topics/earlychildhood/index.html
Early Intervention Leadership Program - http://eiplp.org/ 1-877-EI-PLP or eiplp@yahoo.com - Information bout Early Intervention in MA
Five Bad Reasons to Avoid Early Intervention - http://specialchildren.about.com/od/earlyintervention/tp/EIbadreasons.htm
How to Get a Diagnosis - http://specialchildren.about.com/od/gettingadiagnosis/ss/getadiagnosis.htm
developmental milestones
Zero To Three - www.zerotothree.org - National nonprofit dedicated to the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and their families, with information for parents and professionals.
The ABC's Of Child Development - Developmental Milestones For Your Child's First Five Years - www.pbs.org/wholechild/abc/
Speech Language and Eating Development Charts and Helpful Links - www.talkingchild.com/toysonline.aspx
Speech and Language Developmental Milestones - www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/speechandlanguage.asp
American Academy of Pediatrics - www.aap.org
workshops of interest
Workshops of interest for children who will be turning three and will continue to need special needs services including Turning Three, Basic Rights and An IEP for My Child all of which are beneficial to knowing your rights and guiding you through the transition process to the public schools at age three. http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/home.php
ideas for speech
Family Ideas to Encourage Toddler Speech Development by Irene Helen Zundel
What to Do If Your Child Should Be Talking and Isn't Yet - www.vapg.com/parents/Speech.pdf
framingham resources for young children
Framingham Early Childhood Alliance - http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/ecaf_home.cfm
For more information about the Framingham Early Childhood Alliance, please contact us at 508-424-3420 x8426 or email jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us.
