Every child grows and learns at their own individual pace, but researchers agree that the first three years of a child’s life are the most critical for learning.
The Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to help you access the Early Intervention Services support you and your infant or toddler need. Local school districts or health departments often provide these early intervention services.
EIS programs may be called different names in different areas but are often referred to as Part C because that is the section of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that pertains to early intervention.
The EFMP Family Support provider can help you learn more about early intervention services in your location to ensure that your child gets the support needed to overcome developmental delays.
Early intervention focuses on improving skills in the following areas:
Services might include but are not limited to: Speech and language therapy, physical or occupational therapy, psychological services, hearing or vision services, social work services, transportation and assistive technology. Your Family Support provider will explain the specific services your child needs.
Make your family’s military relocation easier with the early intervention resources and tools in the Early Intervention Directory (Birth-3).
Sometimes it’s hard to identify possible delays but reviewing milestone checklists and watching the short course on Childhood Development Milestones and Identifying Delays may be helpful. Consider downloading the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App.
Make a list of your concerns and questions and talk to your child’s pediatrician. Often, physicians will give you a referral for an early intervention evaluation and point you in the right direction. However, you don’t need to have a doctor’s referral to request an evaluation.
To learn more about the evaluation process, reach out to your state program. Discuss your concerns and request to have your child evaluated for eligibility for early intervention services. The goal of the evaluation, also called initial assessment or eligibility assessment, is to see if your child can use help with life skills such as talking, movement, learning, etc.
After the evaluation, you’ll meet with the team to review the results and determine eligibility for services. Make sure you get all your questions answered and share if you have concerns or disagree with their findings.
Evaluation steps typically include the following:
Services under the early intervention program are available from birth through 36 months of age, in every state, and are typically provided in home and community settings. Your early intervention service coordinator oversees the services delivered by providers while your child is in early intervention.
CONUS families: The EFMP Family Support provider on your installation is a great point of contact to learn more about early intervention services in your location.
OCONUS families: Talk to the EFMP Family Support provider at your location to find out how to start the evaluation process or continue/transfer services.
The Directory of Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services shows which communities offer EIS services and the services they provide.
Eligible: The team will write a plan that outlines the services and support your child will receive. Early intervention usually lasts until your child’s third birthday when your child may move to special education services under IDEA if needed.
Not eligible: If your child is not found eligible, and you disagree, you have the right to appeal the decision. You may also choose to research organizations with licensed professionals who can help you develop a plan and work with you and your child to overcome challenges.
Take advantage of all the resources and services available to you and your family. Get started with the Early Intervention Fact Sheet and check out the Office of Special Needs EFMP podcast series for information on enrollment, education, PCS, legal and long-term and financial planning and caregiving. And be sure to visit EFMP & Me, your 24/7 guide to everything EFMP.
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