Early intervention provides developmental supports and services to children birth through three years of age, who have special developmental needs. It can help improve a child’s ability to develop and learn. It can also help parents and family members learn ways to support and promote a child’s development, within the family’s activities and community life. Because an infant or toddler learns through his or her interactions with caregivers, parents and other caregivers are important members of the early intervention team. How Does a Child and Family Access Early Intervention Services?
Anyone can refer a child under the age of three for whom they have a concern about the child’s development. Referrals can be made by calling (719)577-9190. Once a child is referred for early intervention a service coordinator will be assigned for the family. The service coordinator will assist the family in learning more about early intervention, completing necessary paperwork to determine if the child is eligible for early intervention, and accessing other needed community resources.When is a Child Eligible for Early Intervention?
A child and family may receive early intervention services if the family and child lives in Colorado; the child is birth through three years of age; and the child is determined eligible based on one of the following criteria: 1) Developmental Delay A child may be determined eligible because he or she has a significant delay in one or more of the following developmental areas as determined by a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation:Thinking and learning skills (cognitive development) Moving, seeing, and hearing (physical development) Understanding and using sounds, gestures, and words (communication development) Responding to and developing relationships with other people (social-emotional development) Taking care of one’s self when doing things like feeding or dressing (adaptive development) 2) Based on a Diagnosis A child may be determined eligible because he or she has been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a significant developmental delay or disability as the child gets older even though the child may not currently have an observable delay or disability. A list of conditions that will qualify a child for early intervention services in Colorado is available on the Early Intervention Colorado website at www.eicolorado.org within the family section. 3) Parent has a Documented Developmental Disability A child may be eligible for developmental intervention and parent education services if the child’s parent/s have a documented developmental disability.What Types of Supports and Services are Available Through Early Intervention?
Early intervention provides supports and services based upon the identified needs of the child and the priorities of the family. Services are identified through the evaluation and Individualized Family Service Plan processes. The early intervention program employs and contracts with many early intervention service providers. These providers maintain appropriate credentials and licensure for their professional disciplines.For further information about Early Intervention Colorado please go to:www.eicolorado.org. For additional information about early intervention services in El Paso, Park and Teller Counties or to make a referral, Please call (719) 577-9190. TRE’s Early Intervention Director, Colleen Head can be contacted at (719) 785-3760. TRE’s Executive Director, David Ervin can be contacted at (719) 785-6403.
