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Contact: PHP Staff (info@php.com), Tel: 408 727-5775 |
Because all babies and toddlers are different, they rarely do the same thing at exactly the same age. As a result, it is not unusual for families to have questions or concerns about their child's development. You may wonder...
- Why isn't my baby sitting up?
- Why isn't my baby crawling?
- Why can't anyone understand what my baby is saying?
- Is my child's hearing/vision normal?
It's important to keep in mind that all children develop differently and at their own pace; however if your concerns about your child's development persist, call your health care provider, community health clinic or Public Health Nurse to inquire about an evaluation for your child.
Each state has an early intervention program serving from families with children birth to their third birthday. In California this program is called Early Start. Eligible childrlen include infants or toddlers if there is a significant delay in one or more areas of development, if he has an established risk condition, significant developmental disability or is at high risk for having a disability due to a combination of risk factors. More information about early intervention is below (About Early Intervention and Early Start.)
How do I make a referral to the early intervention program in my area?
For referral to Early Start, the California early intervention program:
Santa Clara County, California, Early Start Referral Line: Leave your name and phone number on the voicemail and they will call you back as soon as possible. Parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, preschool and daycare providers, etc. may make referrals.
1-800-404-5900
For referral to Early Start in other California counties: The State of California Early Start Program toll-free referral line will provide you with the correct phone number for your county. They can also provide you with the number of the Family Resource Center in your area.
1-800-515-BABY = 1-800-515-2229
To find the Early Intervention Program in other states, visit the NICHCY website www.nichcy.org and look under State Resources for your state.
Parents Helping Parents Family Resource Center early intervention information and support (408) 727-5775.
- Baby Gift Program
- Parent to Parent Support
- Support & Information Groups
- Mentor parent matches
- IFSP Trainings (early intervention's Individualized Family Service Plan)
- Lending Library
- Parent Education
- Resources
- Referral to other early intervention agencies
- Sibling Groups
- Techsploration (Assistive Technology)
- Integrated Playgroup
PHP Staff understand the needs of parents in this confusing often overwhelming process of evaluation and determination of early intervention eligibility. If we can be of assistance to you please call (408)727-5775 x121 or email us.
Article on Bonding with your child with special needs.
About Early Intervention and Early Start
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What is Early Intervention?
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What agencies provide Early lntervention?
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Who may participate from Early Intervention?
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Why participate in Early Intervention?
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When?
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How do I make a referral to the early intervention program?
- How to decide what services are needed?
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Links to early intervention agencies and other information
1) What is Early Intervention?
Early intervention services to eligible children and families are federally mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and in California by S.B.1085, the California Early Intervention Services Act.
Early Intervention provides support services for children from birth to 36 months and their families.
Early Intervention is not a cure for disabilities or risk conditions. Rather, it is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child's growth and development and that supports families during the critical early years. Every state has an early intervention program. In California it is called Early Start. This program is available throughout the State of California.
These services can be accessed through regional centers, local school districts and other health service agencies, as well as through family resource centers, such as Parents Helping Parents in Santa Clara County.
What agencies provide Early Intervention?
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the lead agency for California's Early Start program. Its website contains information about Early Start, including:
- the regional center and family resource center/network in each county
- parents' rights
- information about and links to the federal and state statutes that govern Early Start
- information regarding dispute resolution processes for children birth to age 3 (36 months)
- links to other useful, informative sites.
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC), a community-based California state funded program designed to serve persons with developmental disabilities, including children and families who are eligible for the Early Start program, the state early intervention program for children 0-3 (36 months.) It is a private, non-profit corporation under contract for provision of services through the California Department of Developmental Services. SARC serves Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Some Early Start services are provided under SARC through vendored private programs.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) website includes district and school information for Santa Clara County, a link to DataQuest (California Department of Education School Data, and legislative updates. In Santa Clara County San Andreas Regional Center has contracted with SCCOE to provide Early Start intake and evaluation. SCCOE also provides services to some Early Start families.
Who May Participate in Early Intervention?
Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for and benefit from early Intervention services if one of the following factors is present...
Significant developmental delay in one or more of these areas:
- cognitive development
e.g. limited interest in environment, limited interest in play and learning - physical and motor development
- communication development
e.g. limited sound repertoire, limited responses to communication to others - emotional-social development
e.g. unusual responses to interactions, impaired attachment, self-injurious behavior - adaptive development
- e.g. feeding difficulties
- Chromosomal disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Visual and hearing impairments
At high risk for having a developmental disabiliy due to a combination of biomedical risk factors, as determined by a multidisciplinary team.
Why Participate in Early Intervention?
Research shows that participation in family-centered, early intervention services during the first three years of life can have significant effects on the cognitive development and social adjustment of low birthweight, premature children and on the overall development of young children with disabilities.
Early intervention services delivered within the context of the family can:
- improve both developmental and educational gains;
- reduce future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs;
- reduce feelings of isolation, stress and frustration that families may experience; and
- help children with disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals.
When?
You know your child's abilities, personality and frustrations. Yet, you may not have the information or expertise you need to effectively assist your child's growth and development. By working closely with families, early intervention professionals and family resource center staff can help parents address their concerns, identify needs and resources to address those needs, and set a course of action.
If you are concerned about your child's development, the first step is to have your child referred for evaluation and assessment. You can refer your child directly to the early intervention program in your county, or you can have your child's physician or another professional make the referral for you.
How to Decide what services are needed
Once the evaluation and assessment process is complete and your child is determined eligible for Early Intervention services, (in California called Early Start). Working with County Early Start professionals, you will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan will ensure that both services and community support, including parent-to-parent resources, come together to meet your child's unique needs and the needs of your family to support the child's development. Your IFSp will define which services will best help your child and family.
Early intervention services may include, yet not limited to:
- assistive technology devices/services
- audiology (hearing) services
- family training, counseling and home visits
- numerous health services
- medical services (diagnostic, evaluative purposes only)
- nursing
- nutrition counseling
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- psychological services
- respite
- service coordination
- social work services
- special instruction
- speech and language services
- transportation services
- vision services
- others as needed
Should you need immediate assistance or a parent-to-parent contact please phone PHP's office at (408) 727-5775. PHP provides a forum for parents and professionals to get information. PHP does not promote or recommend any treatment, therapy, institution or professional.
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