Early Intervention

How long will it take for services start?
When a referral is made to the Infant and Toddler Connection you should expect to hear from your service coordinator within 48 business hours to coordinate and schedule the intake visit. Per Part C regulations we have 45 days from date of referral to get through intake and assessment. Once your child has been found eligible and their Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) has been developed we have 30 days for the first service to begin.

How often and where are services?
Therapy sessions are unique to each family and child’s needs. Most therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length and the frequency varies from child to child. Therapy sessions are provided in the child’s natural environment (home, daycare, and out in the community).

How much do services cost?
Service Coordination is provided at no cost to the family. Other services such as the initial intake appointment, assessment, IFSP development, and IFSP reviews are also provided at no cost. Cost for therapy is based on the type of insurance the child has and the family cost share fee scale. Each family will complete a family cost share agreement where your service coordinator will review the family cost share fee scale based on the family’s taxable income and family size. A family can pay the fee that is less than or equal to the monthly cap, as determined by the sliding fee scale, based upon accrued charges, copays, coinsurance, and/or deductible that result from the service received.

Where do I bring my child for services?
All early intervention services are done in the child’s natural environment and all providers come to you (home, daycare, out in the community). Early Intervention is not a clinic-based service.

How long will can/will my child be in early intervention?
Each child’s early intervention journey can and will be different. Services are provided from birth up to age three however, not all children will need services for this duration. A child will go through eligibility determination at least once per year (sometimes sooner if the family or therapists) believe the child is no longer demonstrating a delay. Some children are determined automatic qualifiers and can remain with the program up until age three.

What happens when my child turns three years old and still needs therapy or
services?
Your assigned service coordinator will provide ongoing transition support throughout your child’s journey. The service coordinator will complete a transition planning meeting no sooner than 9 months and up to 90 days prior to your child turning three to develop a transition plan. Some transition options include Part B special education preschool services with Portsmouth City Public Schools, Head Start, Outpatient Therapy services, and private preschool.

What daycares/preschools are recommended in our area?
While we don’t promote one center over another, we do encourage parents to do their due diligence when visiting a potential daycare/preschool site. There are some great resources that can be found via the internet for questions to ask as the family tours. If a family would like for early intervention services to be done while the child is at daycare/preschool it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the center allows providers to come into the center and provide services. Ask your service coordinator for early intervention informational materials to provide centers as you tour and ask questions.