Developmental Concerns: the ins & outs of early intervention
Every expectant parent looks forward to those nine months being over with, even if the pregnancy was without problems. And everyone has the dream of a great future for their baby. But what happens if the birth is a month or two early or there is a problematic delivery and the doctor says the baby is "at risk of developmental delays" or is diagnosed with a disability? Concerns can also come up later on. Everything may seem fine until the baby is not rolling over by 6 months, or the young toddler is not saying any words, or at 18 months is not walking. You see other babies or toddlers who are doing these things and they are much younger. You are concerned. Who can you turn to during this difficult time?Recent early brain development research continues to validate that early help makes a difference. The Monroe County Early Intervention Program (MCEIP) is available to help you. For those "at risk" situations MCEIP can send you a free Ages and Stages Questionnaire which lists typical skills for babies and toddlers for a specific age. You can compare what you see your child doing with these skills and score your child's development. MCEIP even provides assistance with the scoring and if you have concerns, you can call with questions about a suspected delay.
If a delay is suspected, MCEIP offers a professional screening or playbased evaluation which assesses your child's development in five areas (cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, communication and physical). If eligibility criteria are met, then an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is created by the parent, evaluator and Initial Service Coordinator; services are then provided to meet the goals established by the parent.
The philosophy of the program is to provide information, support and strategies to parents so that they can help enhance their child's development. The most common service providers are speech pathologists, special educators, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. One-on-one services are provided in the child's natural environment – home, a grandparent's house, a child care center, Early Head Start Program, etc. Sometimes the child's needs are great and intensive services are required. A group setting may be recommended for those children.
At the initial IFSP meeting, the parent chooses an Ongoing Service Coordinator who will monitor the services, arrange for any additional evaluations, arrange for review of the service plan and assist with the child's transition to Preschool Special Education Service as the child approaches age 3. The continuing services are determined by the school district's Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) which includes the parent. This Committee needs to meet before the child turns 3 in order for a child to continue in MCEIP past age 3. At the meeting, parents determine whether the child should start receiving services immediately after age 3 or continue in MCEIP until the last date that the child is eligible.
Barbara Gorski, M.S. Early Childhood Education is an Early Intervention Supervisor.
Enjoyed this information? Share it with a friend!
