II. Overview of the Early Intervention Program (continued)
Figure 3. Details of Part C EI Process from Point of Referral (Timeline: 45 days from referral to completed IFSP) Details of Part C EI Process from Point of Referral Timeline: 45 days from referral to completed IFSP
County procedures for contacting family at least every 3 months
Developmental screening or other assessment
Indication of developmental risk or delay
At-risk tracking for certain categories
Child Find process
Referral to be made within 2 working days
NO
YES
Comprehensive evaluation confirms status
Eligible for Part C
Referral to Part C
Initial process following referral
Initial Process including Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (MDE) • Review of records, evaluation of function, assessment of needs • Participation of at least one qualified professional, service coordinator, family and others family invites • Timely & independent • Report to parent in 30 days (within the 45 day total)
Complete IFSP process
The Part C EI process from referral to eligibility determination must adhere to specific procedures, structures and timelines. As shown in Figure 3, the two key elements, as required by federal law are an initial process and a multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE). In Pennsylvania, these steps are closely intertwined. If the MDE confirms the child is eligible, the process step to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) begins. Part C EI service coordinators and other professionals develop the IFSP with the family, identifying the goals and outcomes important to the child and family, what services they already have, what services and supports they need, and the specific services to be delivered and financed under Part C EI. Early intervention services are required to begin no later than 14 calendar days from the date of completion (and signing) of the IFSP unless a later date has been specified. Part C EI programs can provide information on how children develop, therapies to help a child to move his or her body or communicate, services to support social-emotional development, information
designed to help a family enhance their child’s growing and learning, and ideas for how an early care and education provider can help the child in a child care or other setting. Service types include, but are not limited to, service coordination, family training, speech-language services, occupational and physical therapies, audiology, vision services, psychological and social work services, nutrition services, assessment and evaluation services, and nursing support and health services necessary to enable a child to benefit from other EI interventions. Generally, Pennsylvania ranks highly on key federal performance measures for the Part C EI program. Families report that Part C EI services help them to communicate with their child (97.0%), help their child learn (99.5%), and know their rights in the process (96.4%). Data from a related survey of Pennsylvania families shows that 99% of families felt they were part of the IFSP decision-making process and 96% agreed that EI helped them address concerns during the transition process. These high levels of family satisfaction with the Part C EI program are a strength
June 2022
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