Early Intervention 101

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

 

What's all the Tizzy about Tummy Time?

You’ve just come home from the hospital with your brand new baby and there are a million and one things to remember and figure out.  Your mother tells you to warm a bottle a certain way, your pediatrician reminds you to call the office to make your first appointment, your sister informs you the brand of diapers you are using aren’t the ‘right ones’…your mind is spinning and all you want to do is sit in peace, snuggle your newborn and take a snooze!  And then your best friend texts to say, ‘Don’t forget about Tummy Time’! Tummy what!?

So…what is ‘Tummy Time’?

o   It’s the time during the day your baby spends on their tummy while they are awake.

o   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and on their tummies to play.

Why is it so important?

o   Tummy Time helps your baby develop their neck, back and shoulder muscles that are needed to meet developmental milestones.

o    It can also help prevent conditions like flat head syndrome and twisted neck (positional torticollis).

o   Your baby needs Tummy Time, gentle touching, holding and eye contact, just as much as they need nutrients to grow and develop!

When can I start Tummy Time with my baby?

o   As soon as your baby comes home from the hospital!

How much Tummy Time does my baby need?

o   Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.

o   Try putting your baby on their tummy for a few minutes after each diaper change.

o   Work up to an hour per day by the time they are 3 months old.

My baby hates Tummy Time, how do I make it fun?

o   Find your baby’s happiest times of day and try it then.

o   Avoid Tummy Time right after a feeding.

o   Sing songs or play music to calm and soothe baby.

o   Use rattles, toys, and mirrors to get their attention.

o   Get down on the floor with them so you are at eye level. Let older siblings in on the fun too! Your baby loves to see your faces and have you on their level to play! J

For more tips and tricks click here. If you are concerned about your child’s development give our Early Intervention Program a call at 518-565-4848.

Have fun and good luck!

Jessica Mathews

Children’s Services Program Specialist

Health Care Services Division 

Breaking Down the Amazing Stages & Ages of Infant/Toddler Development

Have you ever thought about all the amazing things you discovered to do in your first three years of life?  As an infant or toddler, we learned how to roll over, sit up independently, crawl, stand, cruise, walk and use language to communicate. We all learned and developed at different points in those first 36 months. You may have figured out how to walk first, while your older sister may have learned to talk first. The same thing is happening right now with our own little ones…no two are exactly alike in terms of meeting those developmental milestones! Want to learn more?

Monthly Screenings:

The Children’s Developmental Services Office at the Health Department offers FREE developmental screenings for children under 3 years old. A simple screening gives you an opportunity to find out if your child is on the right developmental track.

 

An example of a free developmental screening

The Early Intervention Program:

Sometimes a child’s developmental progress doesn’t go as expected and they might need some extra help in the form of early intervention to help them meet their milestones. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) assists parents in making the most of their child’s development by offering free services and easy strategies to use at home.

Is My Child Eligible?

If you have an infant or toddler who has not yet turned 3 years old and has one of the following, he or she is eligible!

• A significant developmental delay or

• A diagnosed condition likely to lead to a significant developmental delay

Does My Child’s Doctor Have to Refer Us?

No! Parents or guardians can make a referral directly by calling us at (518) 565-4848 and asking to speak with an Early Intervention Specialist. You do NOT need a doctor to refer you to the EIP. 

For more information on your children’s all important developmental ages and stages, please click here.  And don’t forget, you are your child’s first and best teacher!!

Melissa Fuller

Children’s Services Program Specialist

Health Care Services Division