The Importance of Early Intervention

Did you know that the first three years of life are a critical time period for our brains to grow and develop?

Each US state provides some form of Early Intervention Program, but I am mainly going to talk about my experience with the Early Intervention Program here in Tennessee.

Early Intervention is a huge passion of mine for three reasons.

1. Grayson was diagnosed through the early intervention program

2. We met so many wonderful therapists that supported our family and gave us a ton of information so we didn't feel so overwhelmed

3. I have experienced early intervention on both sides now- As a family in the program and as a Service Coordinator working for the program.

Early intervention is done differently for every state, but the idea is the same: To support families with children that have developmental delays or disabilities. This is done by providing therapy, financial support, and developing goals for the child.

About Tennessee Early Intervention:

1. TEIS offers several therapies such as Speech, Feeding, Occupational, Physical and Developmental Therapy.

2. TEIS acts as a payor source, so you should never receive a bill for any therapies your child is in, through the program.

3. TEIS helps your child connect with your local education agency/ school system and be evaluated to see if there is any type of educational delay or disability

4. TEIS offers support to families by creating a family service plan, tailored to each families individual needs.

   
   

Early intervention Plays a huge role when it comes to helping our kids grow and progress. According to the CDC, "Early intervention services can change a child’s developmental path and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities" (Learn the Signs. Act Early, 2024).

As a Service Coordinator with this program, I have found that a lot of families were unaware of our program until they were referred by someone else (normally their pediatrician) and got the first call. I have also talked with families in my personal life that didn't know what TEIS was and helped them refer themselves. This program is a great starting place for many families that have concerns for this kids.

The Program is FREE, so why not utilize the resource? What comes with the price tag?

1. your child can be evaluated for different therapies to see if they need services

2. it is a voluntary service so you can close your file at anytime

3. you build a support team that includes your service coordinator and therapists

4. you are connected with tons of professionals that want the best for your child and family

Process:

1. Here in TN, a family has to be referred in order to become part of the program. The child does have to be 3 or younger to be referred. Referrals can be done online or by phone. Referrals can be self-made but a lot of times are made by pediatricians and doctors.

2. Once a referral is received, families receive a call to start the intake process. This consists of signing consents, getting medical records, insurance information and identifying information to start a file.

3. Children have to be evaluated by an agency to determine they need services. An evaluator conducts the assessment in person or via Telehealth.

4. Once determined that services are needed, families are connected with a service coordinator to develop a Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that consists of goals and services (therapies).

   
   

I won't go into too much detail (in this post, more posts to come) but I did want to just give an overview of early intervention and how helpful it can be for a family. I would highly encourage you to look at your states early intervention program and get involved ASAP.

Citations: Learn the signs. act early. (2024, April 3). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html