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The first three years of life is a time of huge growth for children. They go from being tiny infants who can’t get around on their own or communicate their wants or needs (minus the crying!) to being amazing toddlers who can walk, run and express their thoughts and emotions.
Of
course, these changes don’t happen overnight. There are different milestones
along the way. If your child isn’t meeting those developmental markers as
expected, your pediatrician or childcare provider may suggest taking a closer
look. That’s where we come in! We are Service Coordinators for the Clinton
County Health Department’s Early Intervention program. We work with
children ages 0-3 years to see if they need any assistance meeting
developmental milestones like crawling, talking, walking and learning. So how
do I get started?
ü Intake Meeting
·
When
your child is referred to Early Intervention (EI), your family will be assigned
to a Service Coordinator (SC) like me!
·
We
will schedule an intake meeting which can be done over the phone or in person
at your home.
·
During
this meeting, we will discuss any and all concerns and complete the initial paperwork
(including a consent for evaluation).
·
Your child CAN’T be evaluated without your permission.
Intake meeting with Melissa Fuller, Children’s Service Program Specialist/EI Service Coordinator
ü The Evaluation
·
Once you choose an evaluation
agency, two highly trained professionals will evaluate your child.
§ They will set up a time to come to your home or a place that
your child spends most of the day and is most comfortable. The team will also
talk with you to get more information about medical history, any concerns, and what
your child is or isn’t yet able to do at this time.
§ The evaluation team is trained in social/emotional, communication,
cognitive, adaptive and physical development.
·
During the evaluation, they will use
standardized tests and other methods (disguised in play J) to discover more
about your little one’s skills.
·
Once they are done playing (I mean
evaluating) they will share with you how your child did in each tested area.
· Those results will determine if your child is eligible for EI services.
ü If
your child is eligible for EI services
·
Our team (including your SC, the
evaluators and most importantly YOU!) will create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). An IFSP is a written,
legal document that explains the services that your child and family will
receive.
§ It outlines when, where, and how those EI
services will be delivered and is truly a map to guide you and the
professionals working with you and your child.
·
This program is completely voluntary and family driven, so the services you
agree to will start only once you sign the IFSP.
·
Your
child’s team will review the IFSP twice
a year to look at the progress your child has made and to help you decide
whether any changes are needed.
· Your SC will also check in with you monthly to see how services are going. You can call them any time with questions or concerns!
ü What
if my child is not eligible for EI services?
·
You can ask to have your child
placed in the ‘At-Risk Program’. This means we will call you in a few months to
check in on your child’s progress and potentially do a re-evaluation.
· You can also take the tips/ideas that the evaluators give to you after the evaluation to use at home! J
If
you think your child could benefit from these services, any parent/caregiver can make a direct referral by calling us at 518-565-4848 and asking for the
Early Intervention Program. Not sure if your child is meeting their milestones?
Click here.
We also offer developmental screenings the last Monday afternoon of every month
here at the Clinton County Health Department. All of our services are FREE of charge! So if you feel
your child may be delayed, don’t hesitate, call us today!
Melissa Fuller
Children’s Service Program Specialist/EI Service
Coordinator
Division of Health Care Services
