Early Intervention FAQ
Q: What children are eligible for early intervention services?
A: Any child up to age three is eligible for services as long as they exhibit one of the following three criteria:
- 25% or greater delay in cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or adaptive development
- Atypical development (e.g., behavioral disorders, affective disorders, abnormal sensory-motor responses)
- A diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay
Q: What is an Individualized Family Service Plan?
A: An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is the first step for providing children with early intervention services. Once a child is determined eligible for our services, the family meets with professionals to work out an IFSP. This plan will list the outcomes the family and IFSP team would like to see for the child and the early intervention support and services needed to meets those outcomes.
Q: When does a child stop receiving early intervention services?
A: Once a child turns three, he will be provided a transition plan to smoothly move him into a mainstream environment or on to further services if appropriate. A child can also stop receiving early intervention services before he turns three if he fulfills all outcomes of their Individualized Family Service Plan.
Q: How do I know if a child is experiencing a developmental delay?
A: Please read through our Developmental Milestones document to note if a child in on track with his or her peers. If you are concerned about a child’s development, please contact us to set up an initial assessment. The assessment, conducted by at least two specialists from different professions, will determine if a child meets the criteria to receive early intervention services.
Q: How much does Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley cost?
A: Early intervention services come at no or minimal out-of-pocket costs to families of children that meet program criteria. Most private insurance and Medicaid cover these services and no child will be denied due to an inability to pay.
Q: How is Infant & Toddler Connection funded?
A: Funding is provided under Medicaid part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal funding is managed by Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services.
Q: Where does a child receive early intervention services?
A: A benefit of Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley is that children and families will be provided services right in their homes. This is done to help families understand what they can do to meet their child’s needs within existing daily routines.
Q: How can I discontinue early intervention services for my child?
A: Families can opt out of services at any time they choose to. However, we recommend that this decision is first discussed with a service coordinator.
Q: If I have declined early intervention services before, is my child still eligible?
A: Families can access services at any time, even if they refused them previously.
Q: How do I refer a child to Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley?
A: Please download and fill out a referral form
Q: What areas are covered by the Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley?
A: ITC Shenandoah Valley covers six different localities:
- Frederick County
- Clarke County
- Warren County
- Page County
- Shenandoah County
- City of Winchester
Q: What if a child does not reside in one of the six Shenandoah Valley localities?
A: For those children outside of Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley’s jurisdiction, please visit the Virginia Statewide Database for a full list of all Virginia Infant & Toddler Connection contacts.