STATE & LOCAL SERVICES
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EARLY INTERVENTION: BIRTH to THREE Early Intervention | Eligibility | Accessing Early Intervention Services | Services | Transition to Preschool | Financial Contribution | Early Intervention
The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) under the Department of Health implements New Jersey’s statewide system of services for infants and toddlers, birth to age 3, with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. State Early Intervention programs are governed by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Eligibility Early Intervention services are provided for eligible children until the age of 3. In New Jersey, children are evaluated using a standardized assessment tool and are eligible for NJEIS when: (a) two or more areas of development are delayed below the average of other children; OR (b) when one area of development shows a significant delay. In technical terms, children are considered eligible when they are experiencing a developmental delay that meets these criteria: (a) 1.5 standard deviation below the mean in each of two functional developmental areas (scored below approximately 90% of children their age); OR (b) 2.0 standard deviation below the mean in one functional developmental area (scored below approximately 98% of children their age); OR (c) Diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.
BIRTH TO THREE
Children are evaluated in the following developmental areas: • Physical development • Social and emotional development • Cognitive development • Adaptive functioning • Communication development
Children with a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are determined eligible for the NJEIS.
Accessing Early Intervention Services A parent who is interested in accessing NJEIS services should contact the toll free number 888.653.4463 . A service coordinator will talk with families about their concerns. If the family consents, the service coordinator will work with the family to schedule an evaluation of their child’s developmental levels and needs. Children who have a diagnosis prior to their referral to NJEIS will also have an assessment conducted by a NJEIS team to determine developmental levels and needs. Evaluation and assessment services are provided at public expense with no cost to families.
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