Early Intervention Program
Contact: Cathi Duncan - 584-7460 ext. 390
Early help makes a difference!
Young children learn and develop differently. One baby may walk earlier than another, while another baby might talk first. Often, these differences will even out. But, some children will need extra help. Look for signs that your infant or toddler might need extra help. Early help makes a difference! If your child does have a problem, the earlier you get help, the better.
The Saratoga County Early Intervention Program provides many different types of early intervention services to infants and toddlers under the age of three who have a disability or developmental delay. A child with a disability is one who has been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition.
A developmental delay means that a child is behind in at least one area of development, including:
- Physical – includes vision and hearing, gross, fine motor.
- Cognitive – play skill, attention, memory, problem solving, sorting skills and visual perception.
- Communication – how the child understands what is said and how the child uses sounds, words or gestures to let others know what he/she wants.
- Social/Emotional – how the child uses sounds, words or gestures to let others know what he/she wants.
- Adaptive Development – self help, including feeding and dressing skills.
REFERRAL
Professionals must refer babies and toddlers to the Early Intervention Program if there is a concern about the child’s development. As a parent . . . . you can also refer your child to your Early Intervention Program if you suspect a problem. Parents must give permission to have their child evaluated.
EVALUATION
Services begin with an evaluation in order to determine eligibility. A Service Coordinator will then assist the family in determining the needs of the child -- utilizing all available resources to help the family meet the special needs of their child in the most natural environment (home, child care center or family day care, and recreational settings like play grounds, libraries, play groups).
SERVICES
Once your child is found to be eligible for the Early Intervention Program, a Service Coordinator will facilitate an IFSP meeting for the purpose of developing an Individualized Family Service Plan with the family. The written plan includes the family’s desired outcomes and agreed-upon Early Intervention services.
- Family training, counseling, home visits, and parent support groups.
- Audiology, vision, health and medical services – only for diagnostic and evaluation purposes.
- Assistive technology devices.
- Speech/language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, special instruction, nursing, social work, service coordination, respite, nutrition services, psychological services, transportation and related costs.
If you are a resident of Saratoga County, you can get more information about our Early Intervention Program services by contacting: Saratoga County Early Intervention Program 31 Woodlawn Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-7460 (Tel.) (518) 583-2498 (Fax)
Helpful links for parents:
American Academy of Pediatrics Developmental Stages
NYS Dept. of Health Early Intervention Parents Guide
Saratoga County Children with Special Health Care Needs Community Guide
Saratoga County Public Health Early Intervention Brochure
Downloads
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