Early Intervention Referral Early Intervention Doctor Other local

Early Intervention

Referral • Early Intervention • Doctor • Other local source (Help Me Grow)

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

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

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

Community Resource Guide Resource guide of community mental health and early childhood resources should include: ü ü ü 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), S 87 -S 108.

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

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

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