For Professionals

Infant Services Program: A Part C Provider

Sharon Sikes, M.S., Infant Services Program Coordinator

Children’s Hospital demonstrates its commitment to children 0-36 months of age by providing early intervention services to children who qualify.

Early Intervention is a service available to families in the United States through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under Part C, the family has a right to free, multidisciplinary assessment of all areas of their child’s development. This includes assessment of speech, gross motor, fine motor, adaptive, cognitive, social, vision and hearing skills. If a child is found to have a 25% delay, atypical development or a diagnosed handicapping condition that may result in delayed development, the child is eligible for early intervention services. Once a child is determined eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to address issues identified during the assessment. Ongoing therapy services may be billed to insurance or to the family. Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. A child who is enrolled in a preschool special education program through the school system is not eligible for early intervention services, even if that child is not yet three years old.

Children’s Hospital is part of the Part C provider network for the City of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Charles City and New Kent. Children from these localities may access services from Children’s Hospital while enjoying the benefits of participation in the Part C system, which include access to additional financial supports (sliding fee scale, family support funds, respite), service coordination, and the opportunity to influence public policy and the services in the community through participation in local, state and federal level workgroups, committees and councils.

Participation in Early Intervention is voluntary for the family. Families are encouraged to discuss their decision with their physician and plan together for needed services and referrals. Many insurance policies now carry additional benefits for children who participate in Early Intervention.

Children’s Hospital currently has dedicated appointments for children 0-36 months who have requested evaluation for Part C eligibility. At these appointments, the child is assessed in all areas of development by an early intervention team. This team typically consists of two therapists, the family and child, and a service coordinator. An Occupational or Physical Therapist evaluates fine motor, gross motor and self help skills; and a Psychologist or Speech Therapist evaluates speech, cognitive and social skills. If a child is found eligible for early intervention services, the team will create the plan of treatment known as the IFSP. This plan contains any goals that the family has for their child’s development, information about the family’s typical routines, and goals related to other resources that the family may need such as housing, transportation or financial assistance.

Children’s Hospital also has access to Infant Education Services through the local infant councils and may pair an educator with a therapist, if appropriate. An Infant Educator is trained in overall infant development, and is a particularly helpful resource for a child with behavioral concerns, or who has global developmental delays.

The Infant Services program at Children’s Hospital employs service coordinators who assist families with locating resources listed on the IFSP, including community resources such as childcare, additional funding and transportation. Service coordinators also assist families with transition to the public school system preschool program by making referrals, educating families about the process, and attending school meetings as an advocate for the family.

The Infant Services team ensures that families have access to qualified, experienced therapists who provide treatment so that a child can reach his or her full potential. Families also benefit from assistance in locating resources and supports through the service coordinator so that the entire family’s needs are addressed.

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.