Resources for Special Needs Kids Kathy Bohanon, MD CASA Advocate, Pediatrician

Its sooooo confusing !

First Things First The Law IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Federal Law –Part B: age 3 to 21 years Accessed through the school systems –Part C: age birth to 36 months Accessed through Early Childhood Connections

Child Find The process to identify infants and children who have disabilities Can be referred by “anyone” who suspects developmental delay Infant or child’s age determines where they are referred Multidisciplinary evaluation to determine needs and qualification for Part B or C

Early Childhood Connections For Infants, Toddlers & Families Colorado’s name for the program for birth to 36 months –Sometimes called Early Intervention –Sometimes called Part C If not already evaluated or diagnosed, provides evaluation at no cost Determines if the infant/toddler is eligible for the public early intervention system (ie, Part C of IDEA)

Early Childhood Connections Severe developmental delays Specific medical diagnoses that are associated with severe developmental delay Sensory impairment Low birth weight (very preemie) Attachment and regulatory disorders that interfere with development

Early Childhood Connections Mandates a Service Coordinator Coordinates obtaining the evaluation and services (PT, OT, Speech, developmental services, etc) Provided “in the child’s environment” (at home, at the babysitter, etc) IFSP: Individual Family Services Plan

Early Childhood Connections Insurance, Medicaid pay for the therapy Part C funds are the “payer of last resort” –Will pay for developmental services that are needed but not otherwise paid by insurance

Early Childhood Connections Required to transition children to “Part B”, usually starts 9 months before 3 rd birthday May not meet qualifications for Part B, then transitioned to “community resources”

Early Childhood Connections Referrals for El Paso and Teller counties –The Resource Exchange Now combined with Resources for Young Children and Families –

Early Childhood Connections What if they don’t qualify for Part C but still with delays, at risk, etc? –Early Head Start (birth thru age 36 months) through the Community Partnership for Child Development –Child Development Center or Memorial Hospital Pediatric Rehab – paid for by insurance, but center-based, not in the home

Preschool age 3-4 years Transitioned from Part C or New referral made to the appropriate school district Also will do multidisciplinary evaluation, at no cost, if not already done –“Supposed” to be available year-round

Preschool age 3-4 years If qualifies for public special education (Part B), mandated to receive services through the school –Each school district determines how May contract with Head Start May enroll in Colorado Preschool Program May provide services with own personnel –Not only educational services, but PT, OT, Speech, whatever is identified –IEP (Individual Education Plan)

Preschool age 3-4 years What if they don’t qualify for Part B (the public special education)? –Head Start –Colorado Preschool Program –Private services via medical insurance (generally limited to PT, OT, occasionally Speech Therapy, maybe mental health)

Community Partnership for Child Development One centralized source for birth to age 5 yrs if infant/child does not qualify for Part C or Part B –Early Head Start, Head Start, Colorado Preschool Program, Even Start Phone

Community Partnership for Child Development Early Head Start –Age 0-3 who are at risk or have special needs, especially if they do not qualify for Part C –Focused on low-income, special needs One or two half-days per week, plus home visits Can also provide PT, OT, Speech Has an Early Head Start with Child Care Option –Assists enrolled families that need full-time child care –Special needs infants and toddlers are welcome –Sliding scale for the child care portion of the program, accepts CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program)

Community Partnership for Child Development Head Start (3-4 year olds) –In some school districts, for Part B kids –Other spots open for “at risk” kids Reside in low-income families Special needs children Usually a waiting list for kids who are not in Part B Also has Head Start with Child Care option

Community Partnership for Child Development Colorado Preschool Program (3-4 yrs) –“For kids who can benefit from a comprehensive early childhood development and family program” –Many of same services as Head Start –Available for families exceeding the income limits for Head Start –Only specific number of slots available, set by the state

Community Partnership for Child Development Even Start (Family Literacy) –Recognized parents as the child’s “first and best teacher” English language acquisition GED preparation Literacy program –For parents of kids in Head Start who need these services

Community Partnership for Child Development Fantastic resource document: “2005 Community Assessment” –Comprehensive report on availability of health, mental health, child care, early education, etc, etc for El Paso County From website:

School-Age Children 5-21 years Those who qualify under Part B receive services through the schools via an IEP (“public special education”) Those who do not may be eligible for a 504 Plan

Examples from CASA kids

Any Questions?