The early intervention program can answer
questions and provide you with information
about your child’s development. If you are concerned about your child, you
can call to have your child’s development assessed
and determine if they qualify for early
intervention services. The Educational Service Unit 7 area serves
children (birth to 5 years) living in Colfax, Butler,
Polk, Merrick, Nance, Boone and Platte
counties at no cost to families. This program
is publicly funded through your local school
district. How Do I get started? Anyone can make a referral with parental consent
by calling the Early Development Network at
402-564-4497, or call your local school district. Children who may be eligible can include (but are
not limited to)
any of which may affect
his/her ability to participate
in activities with his/her
family, peers or community. First, families who have children birth through
age three are connected with a Services Coordinator
who can assist you in finding needed resources
(i.e. financial, medical, educational, etc.) Then, a team of highly qualified & experienced
professionals will gather information to assess
your child’s development and participation. This
process will consider your satisfaction with their
participation and prioritize what’s important to
you. The team will review results with you and
discuss whether your child will qualify for early
intervention. This service is paid for you by your
local school district at no cost to you. How can the Early Intervention program help me?
• Your provider &/or services coordinator will...
provide you with information about your child’s development,
their particular disability, what to do with your
child to help them participate and learn, and available
resources
• Your provider &/or services coordinator will...
help you access basic necessities, materials and equipment,
and financial resources.
• Your provider &/or services coordinator will...
be positive, responsive, friendly and sensitive as they
help you reduce stress, promote positive parent-child
interactions, & make connections to other families
• Your provider will...
help you identify current formal and informal supports
you have or need for your family.
• Your provider will...
talk with you and other important people in your child’s
life (such as a childcare provider or teacher, grandparents,
etc.) about his/her strengths, interests
and learning opportunities that can help promote
participation, social interactions and independence
& help you figure out solutions to
problem areas or difficult times within your
day.
• Your provider will...
facilitate transitions to community
programs or educational
programs (preschools or kindergarten).
