Q. Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?A. No, not for the initial Intake appointment. Parents may self refer by calling us directly. If, after the Intake, a parent wishes to proceed with the evaluation, Early Supports and Services (ESS) will ask the parent to sign a permission form asking the child’s pediatrician to order the evaluation. Q. If my child is eligible, where will services be provided?A. Services are provided in a natural setting such as the child’s home or child care. Parent education is at the heart of ESS, so, whenever it is possible, we prefer to have the parent(s) present when services are provided. This allows the parents to learn strategies to carry over activities throughout the child’s daily life. After every visit, progress notes, along with any suggested activities for the week, are written up and a copy is given to parents. Q. How many providers will be working with my child.A. A child eligible for the program will have a primary therapist or educator who will work with him or her across all areas of development. A child’s primary provider will call in other therapists or educators as consultants as necessary to be sure all of a child’s developmental needs are met. Having one consistent provider allows children to feel comfortable with and form a solid relationship with him or her. We believe this approach results in ESS services being provided in a seamless, efficient, and comfortable manner for the whole family. Q. If ESS services are available from birth to age three, does that mean my child will automatically receive services until his/her third birthday?A. Not necessariy. Once eligibility for the program is determined and an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) is developed, the child’s ESS provider(s) regularly check the progress made on the goals described in it. If it is determined that services are no longer needed, families and staff make a decision together. Families are encouraged to call ESS at any time before their child turns three if other developmental concerns come up that may warrant further evaluation. |
Age 0-3
Family Centered Early Supports and Services |
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