A USER’S GUIDE TO EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES Seminar II Simple Ways to Ensure Children Get Needed Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention Service Options Audiology Care Coordination Family Counseling Health Services Medical Diagnostic Services Nursing Services Nutrition Services Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Psychological Support Services Social Work Speech/Language Special Instruction Technological Aides Transportation Vision services

Well qualified staff example: speech pathologist Minimal qualifications include: License from Hawai`i Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology to practice as a Speech Pathologist Masters Degree from accredited college/university in speech pathology License issued by State Dept of Commerce & Consumer Affairs to practice as a Speech Pathologist One year of supervised experience providing speech pathology services. Willing to work some evenings and Saturdays Hawai`i Drivers License

An EI Care Coordinator: With family, establishes provider team Facilitates the IFSP (Individual Family Support Plan) Maintains team communication Links family to other services & supports Helps with transition at age three

Monitoring child development

Parent Support Emotional Fiscal Parent-to-Parent

Transportation provided

Conveniently located services At home In a preschool or child care setting At Cameron Center At PHN offices At other locations such as a library or park

Why is EARLY intervention likely to be effective? Early brain development impacts later emotional, behavioral and cognitive outcomes Parent education and training “Windows” of opportunity to affect development

Quality research demonstrates effectiveness Low birth-weight / Premature birth Vision problems Hearing problems Speech/language problems Cerebral Palsy Autism Down Syndrome

Transition at age three

Concerned about a child’s development? Research with parents shows there are BETTER WAYS TO BREAK BAD NEWS.

GOALS OF INITIAL CONVERSATION Parents clearly understand your concern Communicate that parents are the primary decision-makers for their child Reassure them that you will listen and consult with them Prepare them for the next steps

PREPARE Invite both parents or a family member Choose a private place Schedule enough time Review child’s record Take a moment to calm yourself

Communication tips Check your body language and position Keep language clear and simple Speak slowly and repeat Listen to parents Reflect their emotions Start with observable behavior/symptoms Check that parents understand you Describe concrete next steps

Let’s try it…..

Communication between EI providers and PCP

Information needed at referral

With parent consent, you will get a copy of every evaluation report

You can have input to and a copy of the Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) Child & family strengths & needs Goals Planned services & timeline Evaluation of progress towards goals & service effectiveness

EI services support Child Development Parent participation, family care coordination & emotional support AND --- REFERRAL IS EASY!