Early Intervention
By Sharon Sikes, M.S., Infant Services Program Coordinator
Q: I have a 1-year-old who isn’t walking, isn’t talking and isn’t developing as quickly as other children who are the same age. What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is a service available to families of children 0-36 months through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Under Part C, the family has a right to free, multidisciplinary assessment of their child’s speech, gross motor, fine motor, adaptive, cognitive, social, vision and hearing skills. Children’s Hospital is part of the Part C provider network for Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Charles City and New Kent. Children from these localities may access the hospital’s services while enjoying the benefits of the Part C system, which include financial supports, service coordination and access to community resources.
Children’s Hospital currently has dedicated appointments for children who request an evaluation for Part C eligibility. If a child is found to have a 25% delay, atypical development or a diagnosed handicapping condition that may result in delayed development, he or she is eligible for early intervention services, also available through Children’s Hospital.
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