Since 1978, the Early Intervention Program has provided thousands of families with the diagnostic, educational training and therapeutic services they need to make the most of their child's development.
Children from birth through age three, who demonstrate delays in development or who have been given a diagnosis that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay are candidates for the program.
Referral
To schedule an evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention services, contact the Special Child Health Services (SCHS) Case Management Unit in your county. All new referrals are processed through this single point of entry. In Middlesex County, the SCHS telephone number is (732) 745-3180.
Program Description/Philosophy
The early intervention program uses an interdisciplinary team approach that begins with the child and family. Our staff works with parents toward outcomes that are meaningful to them in settings the family chooses - home or local day care.
Our progressive family-centered approach helps children improve their gross and fine motor skills, cognitive performance, social skills, sensory development, communication abilities and daily living within a "whole child" developmental context.
Each child and family has one or more pediatric specialists assigned to them, according to the child's specific needs, to guide families through activities that aid in developmental advancement.
The interdisciplinary early intervention team consists of pediatric specialists in the following areas:
-
Special Education
-
Speech Therapy
-
Physical Therapy
-
Occupational Therapy
-
Social Work
-
Behavior Management
-
Nursing
Eligibility Evaluation
Eligibility determination is conducted in the child's home by a team of pediatric specialists. Areas of development evaluated include: communication, cognition, gross motor, fine motor, adaptive/self help and social emotional. Families are actively involved in the evaluation and treatment planning process.
Family-Centered Services in The Natural Environment
Our experienced team members provide services to children and their families in the environment where their typical daily routines take place. Children learn best when they are motivated and actively engaged with the toys and people in their natural environment. It can be in the child's home or day care setting. This affords the child opportunities for active exploration, as well as developing and practicing new skills.
Early Intervention Services are funded, in part, by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services -
EIP.
|
