Birth through 2 Years
Pickaway County Early Intervention provides services to infants and toddlers under the age of three who have a qualifying medical diagnosis or developmental delays.
Referral
Early intervention (EI) serves infants and toddlers under 3 years of age with developmental delays and disabilities. If a delay or disability is suspected, anyone can make a referral and schedule an evaluation to determine eligibility and need for EI services.
To make a referral to Early Intervention and to schedule an evaluation, contact Ohio’s Central Intake at 1.800.755.4769 or ohioearlyintervention.org/referral
The local Help Me Grow Program refers babies and toddlers to the Early Intervention Program if there is a concern about the child’s development.
As a parent, you can contact Help Me Grow if you suspect a problem. Parents must give permission to have their child evaluated.
Evaluation
After a referral is made, an evaluation/functional assessment is completed in order to determine eligibility and the child’s need for EI services. The evaluation/functional assessment may include a formal evaluation tool, parent/guardian interview, observation of the child and review of the child’s available medical records. Using this information, the team, including the child’s parent/caregivers, determines the child’s eligibility and need for EI services.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Once a child is found eligible and in need of Early Intervention services, an EI service coordinator will facilitate an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting.
At that meeting, the family and EI team will determine goals for the child and strategies to help the family in meeting those goals during everyday activities in the home and other community settings.
Early Intervention Services
Every child enrolled in the Pickaway County Board of Developmental Disabilities (PCBDD) EI program has access to a team of professionals made up of a
- Developmental Specialists
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Infant Massage Educator
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Social Worker
- Early Intervention Assistants
- Service Coordinators
- P.L.A.Y. Project Consultant (Play Language for Autistic Youngsters)
One member of the team is assigned to be the Primary Service Provider (PSP) for the family. This team member will offer regular visits at the home, childcare or other community settings. He/She and the family will problem-solve how to use everyday activities and family routines to support the child’s development and learning.
When the PSP and the family need additional support to meet the goals, they may consult at any time with the other members of the EI team at weekly team meetings or during home visits with the family.
