Early Intervention Program
History
Massachusetts has a twenty-five year history of providing early intervention services. In 1984, Massachusetts established legislation that created a lead agency, the Department of Public Health (DPH), to coordinate and regulate public funding for early intervention services. The law also created an early intervention advisory committee and further mandated comprehensive service delivery in all three risk categories. Enable was awarded the contract in 1989.Program Description
Early Intervention is a preventative program that provides
developmental, therapeutic and support services to children between
birth and age three and their families. The goal of Early Intervention
is to integrate the developmental activities and services into the
families daily routine based on a recognition that the child's daily
environment is critical to their growth and development.
Eligibility
Services are provided for children from birth to age three who demonstrate risk. Established risk would include Down's syndrome, spina bifida, visual or hearing impairments, metabolic, neurological or chromosonal disorders as well as children who show a developmental delay in their motor, perceptual, language and social skills. Children at biological risk include children with a history of prenatal, perinatal, neonatal or early developmental events. Children at environmental risk include children experiencing a lack in adequate food, shelter, clothing and social supports as well as domestic violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancy.Staff
Early Intervention Program utilizes a transdisciplinary team approach in providing developmental services to children and support services to their families. The team includes the disciplines of physical therapy, speech and language, special education, nursing, occupational therapy and social work.Program Components
Early Intervention Program offers home visits and center-based
developmental groups for children and educational/support groups for
parents.
Groups for the toddlers are developed to foster independence through group and individual goals and activities. Parents are encouraged to participate in educational/support groups. Transportation is provided for group services.
A comprehensive Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed for each family. Case management is offered to all families. Advocacy and support is offered to families requiring special education services. As the child approaches age three, advocacy and support is offered to transition children requiring services through Chapter 766 in their local school systems.
