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frequently asked questions - services for infants and toddlers

Q:	What is "early intervention?"
A:	"Early intervention" is an array of services designed to meet the developmental needs of an eligible infant or toddler with a disability.
Q:	What are early intervention services?
A:	The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C requires the following services must be provided by the Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program: Audiology Assistive technology Nursing Health services Occupational therapy Nutrition Psychology Physical therapy Social work Transportation Special instruction Vision services Speech-language therapy Medical services (for diagnostic or evaluation purposes only) Family training, counseling, and home visits
Q:	Who is eligible for early intervention services?
A:	Children may be eligible for services through the Infants & Toddlers Early Intervention Program based on the following eligibility criteria (age requirements are from birth until the child's third birthday): Established Condition - The infant or toddler has a diagnosis, or suspected diagnosis, that has a high probability of resulting in disability or developmental delay. Developmental Delay - An infant or toddler shows a delay in his or her development based on an evaluation or assessment.
Q:	How can I find out if my child is eligible for early intervention services?
A:	Contact your local Early Intervention Program (EIP). The EIP phone number is 904-360-7022 or 800-226-6964. Your child may be determined to be eligible in one of two ways: An evaluation of your child's development shows that there is a significant delay, or Your child has a medical diagnosis that is expected to lead to a developmental delay.
Q:	Who determines if my child qualifies for services?
A:	Established conditions eligibility is determined by a licensed physician's written statement to confirm a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis. A multidisciplinary evaluation is conducted to determine if developmental delays exist This is a federal entitlement program and has no financial eligibility requirements. Infants and toddlers from birth until their third birthday with an established condition or a developmental delay are eligible.
Q:	Will I be responsible for early intervention services?
A:	No, all initial evaluations will be provided at no cost to you. Payment for services will be provided through your private insurance or Medicaid. For families that have no insurance, or if their insurance denies payment for services, Part C is responsible for payment.
Q:	What is the parent's role in obtaining and planning for services?
A:	The Early Intervention Program believes that parents are vital in the process of assessing needs and developing a plan of service for a child. It is important that you are part of the evaluation and decision-making process. Parent reports and observations of their child's development and behavior are important pieces of the process. It is important that the parents: Share information about the child's strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Keep appointments so that the evaluation process can proceed as smoothly as possible. Bring a list to meetings of the things that are important and questions to be answered. Share hopes, expectations, and concerns with professionals. Share information about what the child does at home. Keep copies of all records. Visit available program options with the child and talk with teachers and staff.
Q:	Who provides early intervention services and where are services provided?
A:	The Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program is a statewide network of early intervention programs for eligible children birth to three with established conditions and developmental delay. Services are provided through the coordinated effort of parents, community agencies, and a variety of professionals in various geographic locations throughout the state. In most cases, services are delivered in settings that are natural for that child, including the family home, childcare settings, and other places where children usually spend time. Service options may vary from county to county. Some service options may involve providing early intervention and parent training to help minimize the effects of the developmental delay or established condition. A teacher/therapist may go into the home, hospital, or facility (such as your child's daycare, private school or other place of choice) to provide the early intervention services. Special equipment, toys, and techniques are used by the teacher/therapist to focus on specific areas of concern identified in the child's Family Support Plan (FSP).
Q:	What happens if my child is eligible for early intervention services?
A:	If your child is eligible, you and the other team members will meet to develop a plan called a Family Support Plan (FSP). At this meeting, you will develop outcomes for your child and family. The FSP that you and the team develop will explain how, where and when your family will receive early intervention services. You will have a Service Coordinator who will help you understand the process and who will ensure the FSP is implemented and reviewed as appropriate.
Q:	What is the Family Support Plan?
A:	The FSP, or Family Support Plan, is a written plan that drives individualized service delivery to each child eligible for early intervention services. The Family Support Plan: Identifies concerns, priorities and resources of the family related to the health and development of the child stated in the family's own words Serves as a tool that coordinates other community resources and early intervention services Is based on a multidisciplinary evaluation Is individualized to meet the strengths and needs of the child within the context of the family and home environment.
Q:	How often is Family Support Plan reviewed?
A:	The Family Support Plan is reviewed every six months and a new plan is developed every year.
Q:	What will happen if my child is not eligible for early intervention services?
A:	If your child is not eligible, the program will offer you materials on child development and other community resources that may be helpful. You will also be given information on how to contact the program if, in the future, you have concerns about your child's development
Q:	What happens when my child, who is participating in early intervention services, turns three years old?
A:	At least six months before your child turns three, your Service Coordinator will assist you in planning a move to the next service provider or agency serving your child. This can change where and how services are provided. In early intervention, this change is called transition. IDEA requires a written plan for this transition. A transition plan meeting must take place at least 90 days before your child turns three. Your transition plan will identify special education or community- based services your child may need. Your Service Coordinator will ask you to sign a permission form so the next agency or service provider can be contacted to plan for transition. A meeting between you, your Service Coordinator, service provider(s) and the local school district will be set up. The school district determines if your child is eligible for preschool special education services. They will discuss the results of their tests with you and give you information about your rights. If your child is eligible, services are provided through an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Your Service Coordinator will assist you in planning a move to other possible services if your child is not eligible for special education preschool services. Keep in mind that transition activities may vary somewhat from county to county. If you have questions about the transition process in your county, contact the appropriate Exceptional Education & Student Services representative in your school district.
Q:	What can I do to prepare for my child's transition?
A:	To plan for your child's transition, you can: Gather as much information as possible about the proposed change. Ask about possible program options or choices. Ask what training and supports the new program offers families. Visit the new program before the change. Ask for written materials and learn the procedures for entering and participating in the new program. Provide as much information about your child as possible to the new program.
Q:	What are my rights?
A:	The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) provides you with certain rights and protections. The Early Intervention Program will provide you with a written explanation of your rights. If at any time you are not sure of your rights, please ask the early intervention person working with you.
Q:	What is the cost of these services?
A:	All Child Find services are provided free of charge to parents and are strictly confidential.
Q:	What happens if the screening completed by Child Find indicates that my child needs further evaluation(s)?
A:	Child Find makes the appropriate referrals to the school system for further evaluation(s).
Q:	If my child is referred for an evaluation, what happens next?
A:	The public school's evaluation team conducts needed evaluations and summarizes the results in a report or reports. You are invited to another meeting to go over the results of the evaluation and determine eligibility for services. This is the eligibility staffing meeting. If your child is eligible for services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed and services are offered in your neighborhood public school or the public school that offers the needed service.
Q:	If my child is found eligible for preschool services and an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is written, what happens if I decide that I do not want this service?
A:	If you do not want these services, it is your right to decline the services. The Parent Consent for Placement form is used to document whether you give or do not give permission for services. You can decline services on this form by checking the appropriate statement. You must also sign and date the form.
Q:	What preschool programs are offered through the public school system?
A:	Various program options are available in Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties and are dependent on eligibility, needs of the child, and the team recommendations. Some counties may offer both full and part-time programs. Some counties offer programs that provide educational and related services to children having specific special needs, while other instructional programs may provide services for children with a variety of special needs.
Q:	How are preschool children served?
A:	School attendance times may vary from county to county, based on the student's individual needs. Therefore, the details of school attendance times and days of the week are discussed at the Eligibility Staffing meeting. Preschool classes follow the regular school calendar. Your child may be at school during breakfast and/or lunchtime. Check with your child's school regarding breakfast and/or lunch schedules and payment arrangements.
Q:	What are the age requirements for preschool programs?
A:	Children are eligible for a preschool program upon reaching three (3) years of age and meeting the criteria for eligibility for the following exceptional education programs: Educable Mentally Handicapped, Trainable Mentally Handicapped, Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, Speech and Language Impaired, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired, Orthopedically Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injury, Other Health Impaired, Emotionally Handicapped/Severely Emotionally Disturbed, Specific Learning Disabilities, Homebound or Hospitalized, Dual Sensory Impaired, Autistic, and Developmentally Delayed. Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be provided if your child is also eligible for a program listed above and meets the criteria for educationally relevant therapies.
Q:	How is my child's school assignment determined?
A:	Assignment is made by the school system. Appropriate services are provided at a school that is as near as possible to your home or child care facility. If you prefer that our child attend a different school, you may apply for a special assignment.
Q:	How do I register my child for school?
A:	After you receive your child's school assignment, register your child at the assigned school. To register, you will need: Your child's social security number A copy of your child's birth certificate Your child's shot records A school physical form completed by a physician
Q:	What do I need to know about transportation?
A:	Bus transportation is provided by the school system for ese pre-kindergarten children. Buses are equipped with car seats, seat restraints, harnesses, and/or safety straps for wheelchairs. Your input is necessary for determining the appropriate equipment needed for your child while being transported on the bus. A bus monitor rides on the bus to insure your child's safety. School staff escorts your child from the bus to the classroom. Transportation can be arranged to pick up or drop off your child at school, day care, and daycare sitters' home (if the childcare sitter is within reasonable distance from the child's home). However, points of pick-up and drop-off must be consistent. You may also choose to transport your child. You can assist transportation by having your child ready for pick-up time and by being prompt at drop-off time. With such a large group riding the bus, route times may vary from day to day. Please be prepared for this by having your child ready a few minutes early each day. Bus drivers and monitors cannot leave the bus. An adult must accompany the child to and from the bus door at home and at school. Changes in address, phone numbers, childcare sitter information, and emergency numbers need to be made in writing and sent to school 5 school days in advance of the change. Some counties may require that such changes must also be sent to the ese Office.
Q:	What can I do to help with my child's transportation?
A:	Keeping your child safe and happy is very important. You can help by being aware of the following transportation information: The transportation department establishes approximate pick-up and drop-off times. Car seats/seat restraints are used for safety as necessary. Children may not eat or drink on the bus. Please do not put sick children on the bus. Parents, daycare providers, siblings or other family members cannot ride the bus. If you have questions, you may call the transportation department for your school district.
Q:	How do I dress my preschooler for school?
A:	Your child will be participating in a variety of learning activities at school. Independence in the classroom is encouraged, so you may want to make sure your child is dressed in clothing that is easy for your child to remove or replace on his/her own. Also, please make sure that the school has a complete change of clothes which includes the following: Shirt Socks Pants Underpants, pull-ups, or diapers/wipes (if needed) One set of clothing is kept in your child's classroom cubby. Please permanently mark your child's name on all items sent to school. Keep in mind that your child's school or teacher may send home a list of specific items your child will need to keep at school.
Q:	What does my child do in preschool?
A:	The preschool program addresses the following skill areas: Large motor skills - Movement skills that involve large muscles such as walking, running, jumping, climbing, hopping, kicking, throwing, catching, and balancing. Small motor skills - General movement involving eyes, fingers, and hands; such as painting, cutting, stringing beads, play dough, puzzles, coloring, and block building. Independent functioning - Skills required to gain independence such as eating, dressing and undressing, and toileting. Communication skills - Skills required to communicate and understand others such as gestures, vocalizations, sounds, words, sentences, following verbal directions, and vocabulary. Pre-academic skills - Everyday information such as body parts, name, colors, shapes, concepts, communication helpers, classifying Social and emotional development - Skills needed to get along with others such as play skills, work related skills, turn taking, and appropriate peer interaction
Q:	What happens if I do not want my child to attend a public school preschool program?
A:	All three school districts have cooperative agreements with other preschool programs to provide educational and/or therapy services to children with disabilities below the age of five who meet state criteria and whose needs can be appropriately met in a preschool agency program. The available services and community agencies vary from county to county.

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2010 Duval County Public Schools

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