What Are The Steps In The Process?

Identification and Referral

Each county has established a referral network, which helps find children with developmental needs. As a parent, you are a part of the referral network. It is often parents who are the first to be concerned about their child's development.

Other members of the referral network are doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, schools, early childhood programs, family child care, child care centers, and other organizations or agencies that come into contact with young children. If you or another member of the referral network suspect that your child would be eligible for early intervention, a referral would be made to the county Birth to 3 Program.

When children are referred to a Birth to 3 Program, a decision is made whether to conduct a screening or to begin the early intervention evaluation process. An evaluation would also be conducted when the referral specifically requests one. A screening would be conducted when there is some question about a child's development but more information is needed. An evaluation would be conducted when there is a clear concern about a child's development and there is reason to believe a child will meet Birth to 3 eligibility criteria.

Each county administrative agency has a comprehensive child find system to ensure that all children who may be eligible for the Birth to 3 Program are identified and referred for screening or for evaluation to determine eligibility for the Birth to 3 Program. The system includes public awareness activities. Ch. DHS 90 (exit DHS)

Evaluation