Early On

The first few years of a baby’s life are very important, but babies grow and learn at different rates.  If that little voice inside your head is telling you something isn’t “quite right” with your baby or toddler, don’t wait to reach out for help.  The first three years of a child’s life are much too important to let slip by, waiting to see if your little one “outgrows” your concern.

Early On is a network of services for children who are developmentally delayed, or at risk of developmental delays because of an established medical condition or who have a disability.  Early On services children from birth to 3 years of age.  Eligibility is not based on income and our services are free to the family.

Who is eligible?

Children,  birth to 3 years, who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition which has a high probability of resulting in development delay.

Children, birth to 3 years, if they are currently experiencing developmental delays in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development, physical development, speech and language, pyschosocial development, or self help skills.

For more information about developmental milestones in children please see the following links:

Key Social Emotional & Communications Milestones

 

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Possible Early On Services (if eligible)

Speech Pathology Audiology OccupationalTherapy Psychological Services Service Coordination Diagnostic Medical Services Early Identification Screening Assessment Services Health Services

Nursing Services Social Work Services Vision Services Special Equipment Nutritional Counseling Transportation Counseling (family, group, individual) Family Skills Training Home Visits Special Instruction

 

Early On Process

Early On Coordinators are located in each county and are available to help a parent decide if they want to enter the Early On system.

Evaluation
If suspected that the child has a developmental delay or a condition that could lead to such delay, an evaluation is initiated. (The child may not have to repeat an evaluation if an evaluation has already been completed by a different agency.)

Individualized Family Service Plan
If the child is eligible for Early On services, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. The IFSP addresses the developmental needs of the baby as well as the needs of the family in helping the baby.

Service Coordination
An Early On Service Coordinator helps the parent coordinate the services outlined in their baby’s plan.
Implementation
Services outlined in the IFSP are implemented with permission of parent.

For more information on Early On Part C please click on the following link:

Early On Part C Overview