Early Intervention (EI) is a program to help infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or a

Early Intervention (EI) is a program to help infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or are at risk for such delays. Early Intervention is for children from birth up to age three. The program serves children with diagnosed disabilities, and children at risk of developmental delays for other reasons.
The goal of the program is to help children as soon as possible so they can reach their full potential. Early Intervention teams work with families of at-risk children to figure out what services are needed and the best way to provide those services.
Family TIES of Massachusetts is the statewide agency in charge of information about local Early Intervention air travel deals canada programs. Family TIES also provides support for parents of children with special air travel deals canada needs. The Family TIES phone number is 1-800-905-TIES.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulates air travel deals canada the local Early Intervention programs and handles funding. You can reach the Department air travel deals canada s Early Intervention Services air travel deals canada at 617-624-5070. Massachusetts is required by law to provide Early Intervention services.
Your child s doctor will be able to help you decide if your child will benefit from Early Intervention services. See Sharing Concerns for tips about how to have this discussion with your child s doctor. Remember, however, that you do not need a doctor s referral for an Early Intervention air travel deals canada evaluation.
If you think your child needs Early Intervention services air travel deals canada and request an evaluation air travel deals canada , a team of specialists will check to see if your child is eligible. During the evaluation, the team will check your child s:
Early Intervention specialists will evaluate your child and family situation and make recommendations. Then you and the Early Intervention providers work as a team to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). You can ask other people to be part of the team and help decide which services you and your child will get.
Services will be provided in your home, child care center, or other locations where you and your child feel comfortable. Whenever possible, services will be included in your child s normal daily activities.
Transition Services: All Early Intervention programs air travel deals canada offer transition planning. Transition planning helps families find other options air travel deals canada for their children when they turn three years old and are no longer eligible air travel deals canada for services. Transition planning can begin at any time, but definitely by the time the child is 2 years old.
Transportation Services: Children and families in Early Intervention programs can get free transportation for services that are part of their IFSP plan. A parent or caregiver must travel with any child who is under 18 months of age.
Early Intervention services are free for many families. Services are always free for children in foster care and children with any type of MassHealth. Services air travel deals canada are free for families with incomes below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines air travel deals canada (FPG) . Most health insurance plans cover Early Intervention services.
There is never a fee for having your child evaluated; for developing an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP); air travel deals canada for having someone coordinate services for your child; or for getting help with parents rights. Families never have to pay a fee until they have signed an IFSP.
If you cannot air travel deals canada pay the fee, you can ask for an exemption. You must complete a Family Fee Exemption Form and be approved. Otherwise, if you do not pay your fees, your child s Early Intervention services may be suspended.
Anyone who has concerns about a child can make a referral for Early Intervention services: air travel deals canada a parent, relative, teacher, doctor, friend, or someone else who knows the child. air travel deals canada To make a referral, you should call a local Early Intervention program.
All cities air travel deals canada and towns in Massachusetts have one or more Early Intervention programs that serve their residents. If more than one program air travel deals canada serves air travel deals canada your area, you can choose the one you want. You are also allowed to choose a program outside your area. However, most families find it best to choose a program in their community.
A team of specialists from the program will do an evaluation of your child and family situation. If the evaluation shows that your child is eligible for services, your Individualized Family Service air travel deals canada Plan (IFSP) will begin within 45 days from the referral date.
When your child is approved for Early Intervention services, you and the Early Intervention providers will develop an Individualized Family air travel deals canada Service Plan (IFSP) together. You can also ask other people you know to help develop the plan. For example, you can include your child s doctor, child care providers, or family friends.
You must sign the IFSP before your child can get services. Before you sign, you should make sure you understand and agree with the plan. You can give permission for some services and refuse other services listed in the plan. If you have questions, ask a staff member at your Early Intervention program, or call Family TIES at 1-800-905-TIES.
Information about Early Intervention services and a directory of EI programs from Family TIES of Massachusetts. Includes eligibility information, an Alphabetical List of Early Intervention Programs and a List of Early Intervention Programs by City .
A web site for parents of children who have received Early Intervention services. Includes basic information about Early Intervention, Individualized air travel deals canada Family Service Plan information, transition resources, specialty services, parents rights, and relevant laws.