Early intervention or EI refers to a
program under part C of the federal education law. The federal regulations are
located at 34 CFR part 303. Massachusetts has operational standards which
govern procedures for early intervention.
A parent should not think of this as
“the child is behind” or that there is anything “wrong” with their child.
But rather, the goal is to get to “circle time”, one of those first early
structured social times for children, whether it be preschool or kindergarten).
For those of you who don’t remember or for those of you whose kindergarten
memories are a little foggy, circle time is the first experience of a group
organized activity where each child must regulate his or her own behavior.
Participation in circle time is an essential mile stone for kindergarteners. The
criteria for EI services is a perceived delay/concern/issue that impacts
educational and functional performance and it is believed that the child would
benefit from services through the school system at the age of 3 years.
Despite the obvious Jerry Maguire
reference, this is a serious topic in need of discussion. For those who
haven’t seen Jerry Maguire, you should do so at the conclusion of this blog.
It is the EI coordinator, physician
or parent who first identifies the child for early intervention services. The Massachusetts Department of Health has an
obligation to identify those who may be in need of early intervention services.
These services can include socialization, play therapy, home-based services,
behavioral services and many others. It should be noted that the
home-based services can feel invasive and overly-critical to some parents. It’s important to remember the professionals
are there to help guide you and your child and to stay focused on the ultimate
goal: your child’s first day of kindergarten. During the administration of said
services, the parent and educational professionals work closely together to
achieve developmental/educational milestones. The developmental milestones are
important particularly in the preschool years when effective progress is
measured more by the developmental milestones versus the academics which
kindergarten curriculum frameworks begin to cover.
An educational milestones is
completing a discrete task within a curriculum framework, i.e., learning how to
read a complex short story, whereas a developmental milestone refers to
checkpoint in a child's development to determine what the average child is able
to do at a particular age. If you are unsure where your child is falling on the
spectrum of child development, ask a trusted friend or physician for support
and guidance. It is important to trust yourself and your parental
instinct during this very confusing time as mothers and fathers know best.
Be wary of taking too much advice or reading too much on the internet as you
will drive yourself crazy.
It is important to know that early
intervention only applies from the ages of 0 to 3 years old. Similar to a “choose
your own adventure” novel, be prepared for the services to end as your child
may not qualify for special education services unless he or she is eligible. At
the conclusion of early intervention, there will be a transition meeting where
your child will transition out of early intervention and into the general
education classroom or your child will transition into special education. Not
all kids will qualify for special education services and not all kids who
qualify for special education services will actually qualify for a preschool
program. Pay attention to birthdays and dates of birth because they are the
triggers as to when services stop and start. By that, I mean be aware of the
school calendar and when the school calendar age cut off is for services. Be
ready to have all your medical documentation lined up if you are need of
services but remember, the school district has the right to conduct their own
evaluations when determining eligibility. I would suggest taking notes or
keeping a journal so you can accurately measure your child’s progress,
particularly if he or she behaves differently during different periods in the
day when they are not at the early intervention center.
If you believe that your child is
entitled to special education services, you will need to begin getting your
documentation early to make your case to the school system as to why your child
is entitled to special education services. Special education falls within
a different part of the law (part C) and is an entirely different test. Rather
than being proactive as early intervention it is reactive to a diagnosis and
educates accordingly to the child’s needs.
Early intervention is overseen by
the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If you believe your child
is entitled to early intervention services and has been denied services, more
information can be found here:
As you are driving around town
seeing all the school buses and kids with the new backpacks, remember that your
ultimate goal is to get your child prepared for kindergarten so that his or her
first day of school is a positive experience for all.
