Early Intervention

Referral Early Intervention Doctor Other local source (Help Me Grow) When making a referral after a positive developmental screen, there are several “avenues” you can take. The first is early intervention/pre-school special education services. These are available in each county; check with your local Department of Health to find out how to make referrals. The second is to a medical specialist, such as an audiologist. The third is to a local source such as Help Me Grow or any other early childhood development safety net that can help coordinate referrals to appropriate services.

Early Intervention A referral to Early Intervention (EI) is appropriate when a parent is concerned about their child’s development in: Moving Talking Playing Learning Socializing

Early Intervention Federally mandated In New York, the program is administered by the Department of Health (NYSDOH) through the Bureau of Early Education (BEI) Each county is responsible for oversight of the Early Intervention Program (EIP) for their residents> Nassau County Department of Health EDIT WITH YOUR LOCAL INFORMATION

Early Intervention: Helping Families Voluntary and confidential program Evaluates children suspected of developmental delay Provides appropriate services for eligible children from ages birth to three There is no out of pocket cost to families Year-round program Evaluations and services are provided in the child’s natural environment EDIT WTH YOUR LOCAL INFORMATION

EDIT WITH YOUR LOCAL INFORMATION

Making an EI Referral A referral can be made by phone or fax to the Early Intervention Program at Nassau County Department of Health A referral can be made directly by a parent or other referral source with parental consent Referral source may leave a message and call will be returned within 24-48 hours Calls can be returned in languages other than English EDIT WITH YOUR LOCAL INFORMATION

Community Resource Guide Resource guide of community mental health and early childhood resources should include: Location of service delivery site Ages served Specialization Waiting time until appointment Forms of accepted payment Contact person Prior to implementing screening, it is helpful to find and/or create a community resource guide with local early childhood resources. Information in this guide should include: Location of service delivery site Ages served Specialization Waiting time until appointment Forms of accepted payment Contact person Foy, J.M., Kelleher, K.J., Laraque, D., & AAP Task Force on Mental Health., (2010). Pediatrics, 125(Supplement 3), S87-S108.

How to talk about a referral “We want to make sure that your child is developing on track. Sometimes extra support is needed” Stress that the results do NOT provide a diagnosis, and answer any questions the family may have. Explain what Early Intervention is. Indicate that it does not have anything to do with immigration, if that is a concern. Note that it is at no cost to the family It can sometimes be difficult to talk to parents about developmental concerns in their child. Stress that the results do NOT provide a diagnosis, and answer any questions the family may have. Explain what early childhood supports like Early Intervention can do.

Cultural Barriers to Services Miscommunication Concerns about immigrant status Mistrust of government agencies Disbelief in the importance of intervention Unreliable contact information Scheduling/intervention set up Keep cultural issues in mind when both screening and referring. Language and/or cultural barriers can lead to miscommunication around results and referrals. Those for whom immigration status is a concern might not feel comfortable being referred to outside services, or may mistrust any programs administered by the government. Some cultures may have different understandings of child development and how to address it. Parents that are interested in a referral may still have unreliable contact information or trouble setting up the referral. Be sure to use an interpreter when needed and be simple and clear communicating the issue. Empower the parents to reach out on their own by giving them the necessary information to do so. When possible, follow up with both the parent and referral source to ensure connection to services.

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