Early Intervention (EI) Services
Welcome and congratulations to those beginning their new *likely unexpected* life adventure.
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention services address a concern or delay in development as early as possible. Services are available to children less than three years of age who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay and/or disability.
Early Intervention provides services, education, information and support to infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or a diagnosed condition. The purpose of Early Intervention is to decrease the impact of the delay. Services are designed to identify and meet a child's needs in five developmental areas including physical development, cognitive development, communication, social or emotional development, and adaptive development.
Early Intervention is a family-centered program. Providers are expected to use a developmental approach that follows outcomes desired by the family. Strategies and methodologies are utilized that will meet the needs of your individual family. Our service providers will remain respectful of your family dynamic and the parental routines and strategies that you have established.
Caregiver involvement is a required and crucial component of Early Intervention services. Providers and parents are expected to actively engage throughout the sessions as often as possible. When parents can not be present as a result of work or personal commitments communication is exchanged between providers and caregivers. In person meetings, telephone contacts, and communication notebooks can all be utilized when necessary. Carry over ideas are discussed consistently and families are encouraged to incorporate them into their day to day routines.
For families seeking additional support and information our professionals will inform you of local trainings, educational conferences and workshops that are pertinent to your child’s needs. We also provide information on other community resources which may be of assistance to you and your child.
What services are available at Abilities in Bloom?
Contracted agencies serve as the Early Intervention program providers and arrange for Early Intervention practitioners to address the needs of eligible children and their families. Abilities in Bloom, Inc. is approved as a provider of Early Intervention program services and under contract with NY state to deliver the following services: Ongoing Service Coordination, Speech & Language Therapy and Special Instruction services. We offer services to families residing in Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties in New York.
Further information regarding what to expect from your individual service providers can be found here:
Where will services occur?
Services are provided by qualified practitioners in a child's natural environment, a setting in which your child is most comfortable and one that is convenient for the family. While ordinarily services occur in the home our providers will also accommodate sessions in a caregiver's home, a daycare or a preschool. Families are also encouraged to occasionally meet service providers in a community setting such as a local library, playground, or play space.
What will it cost?
The Early Intervention program is a public program funded by New York state and county governments. All services provided under the Early Intervention program are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to parents/guardians. Health insurance may be accessed for reimbursement for Early Intervention services provided to eligible children and their families. Your Service Coordinator will address any questions you may have pertaining to your individual health insurance coverage and reimbursement of services. When Early Intervention services are delivered in child care settings such as daycare or community locations that require a fee, the parent/guardian is responsible for paying any associated costs with such access to child care or community locations. Early Intervention does not contribute to the cost of child care while services are received.
How many services will my child receive?
Following the initial multidisciplinary evaluation an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to outline the services that are needed by the child and family and how they will be implemented. The volume of services varies depending on your child's needs and service eligibility. Service frequency can be as little as one session per month or as much as several hours per week.
How long will my child receive services?
Early Intervention can only provide services until a child turns three years old. If services are still needed at that time our Ongoing Service Coordinators will guide you through the transition process to assess eligibility for the preschool level program. Services are available via the preschool service program for children ages 3-5. If your child is already of preschool age please contact the Chair of the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in your local school district to discuss your concerns.
Who do I contact for services?
All children must be referred first to the county Early Intervention office to access services. Eligibility for the Early Intervention program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators throughout Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties. If you are interested in learning more or to arrange testing please call 845-334-5251 in Ulster, 845-486-3518 in Dutchess or 845-360-6630 in Orange. If a child is found eligible for the Early Intervention program all services are identified in collaboration with the parent or guardian and are authorized by the county of residence.
Relocating to our area? Moving can be especially challenging for children with a spectrum disorder. Please see the attached article for helpful information as you navigate your move:
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/moving-with-autistic-child/
Will my child be labeled if he or she receives Early Intervention services?
Early Intervention providers do not “label” or diagnose children. Many children receive these services simply as a result of a delayed milestone such as late talking or walking. With sufficient intervention these children will catch up to age expectations for developmental milestones and then cease all services. If an underlying diagnosis is suspected our providers will review the options with you for further developmental follow up. Many children do not have a diagnosed condition or disability who receive Early Intervention services.
Will anyone know that my child is receiving services?
Our providers adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines which are in accordance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Only direct members of your child's team will receive your child's case file and information. Records are not shared freely with any other organization the child is enrolled in without written parental consent.
