Stepping Through ECI…

First Step: Where to start with ECI

REFERRAL.  A child should be referred to ECI as soon as there is any concern about his/her development.  Any person can refer a child for services, meaning doctors, parents, grandparents, or any other person involved with the child.

INTAKE/SCREENING.  This service is at no cost to families.  This is a time for the family to gain a clearer understanding of what ECI is about and to begin the process of getting help for their child.  This step is required to happen within 45 days of the referral.

EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT.  This service is at no cost to families.  A team of professionals conducts this process with the family and child to determine the child’s strengths and needs and if the child is eligible for Early Childhood Intervention services. This is required to happen within 45 days of referral.

Next Step: Entering into Early Childhood Services

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN (IFSP) AND FAMILY COST SHARE AGREEMENT.  This service is at no cost to families.   The IFSP is developed by the team and the family after a child is eligible for ECI services.   It consists of services and strategies to help meet the child's and family’s needs.   The Family Cost Share Agreement is completed to discuss payment of certain ECI services.  This is required to happen within 45 days of referral.

DELIVERY OF SERVICES.  This will begin upon receipt of a current physical, immunization record, and any therapy related prescriptions.

SIX MONTH REVIEW OF THE IFSP. .  This is a time for your service coordinator to review your plan to ensure that services and strategies continue to help meet the needs of the child.

ANNUAL RE-ASSESSMENT, IFSP, & FAMILY COST SHARE.  This is a time to re-evaluate the child to ensure the child continues to need ECI services, to develop new strategies and services, and to complete a new Family Cost Share Agreement.

Future Steps: Leaving ECI

TRANSITION/DISCHARGE.  Once a child turns 3 years, they are no longer eligible for ECI services.  The service coordinator will assist the family with planning for this time, by looking into new services or resources within the community to help to continue meeting the child’s needs.