Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): Part C – Early Intervention program for infants and toddlers provides a broad array of services to children with special needs, birth through three years of age, and their families. 

Background

Children grow and develop differently and at their own pace. The period from birth to age three is a critical time in a child's development and an important time for parents to have accurate information and consistent support close at hand.

Acknowledging that families are central to the lives of children and that parents know best what they want for themselves and their children, Vermont is committed to providing early intervention services and supports in a way that recognizes the expertise and experience of families and promotes collaboration between families and service providers.

Eligibility

Families who are eligible for services through the IDEA – Part C early intervention services include children ages birth to three years old who are experiencing developmental delays or who have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.

There are approximately 20,000 children ages birth to three in Vermont. Based on estimated prevalence, approximately 3% (or 600 children) might be eligible for early intervention services. Currently, Approximately 400 infants and toddlers are receiving early intervention services statewide (2% of the birth to three population).

Services

IDEA – Part C early intervention services brings together families and service providers from many aspects of the community, including public and private agencies, parent child centers, local school districts, and private providers. Supports and services come together to meet each child's unique needs and the needs of their family in their home and community. Payment for services comes from a variety of sources, including insurance, Medicaid, participating agencies, local schools, family cost share, etc. By assisting in the coordination of locally available services, Children’s Integrated Services is working to ensure that Vermont's young children and their families have access to the widest possible array of early intervention services.

Early intervention services may include the following:

• Audiology
• Assistive Technology
• Counseling/Psychological
• Family training, counseling and home visits
• Medical Evaluation (for diagnostic purposes only)
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Service Coordination
• Social Work
• Special Instruction
• Speech/Language
• Transportation
• Vision

Parental Rights

Parent have rights to specific services and processes though this program. Learn more about your rights.

Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC)

The mission of the Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council is to advise and assist the Vermont Child Development Division to ensure the development and implementation of a statewide system of early intervention services for families and their infants and toddlers with special needs. The system includes parents as equal partners and is:

• Family-centered
• Community-based
• Interdisciplinary
• Collaborative across agencies

Learn more about the Interagency Coordinating Council here.
 

Transition at Age Three

Some children will leave early intervention before or at age three and be part of community programs and activities without specialized supports or services. Others may continue to need support and may be eligible for Essential Early Education services through their local school district. Before a child turns three, parents and other members of the team plan for this transition. The service coordinator assists the family in gathering information about resources available and may serve as a link between early intervention services and other services which may be planned for as the child approaches his/her third birthday. The planning process begins at least three months before the child's third birthday so the family may become familiar with their public school's Essential Early Education personnel, private preschool opportunities and other options in their community.

Legislation/Structure

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Part C - provides for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Implementation of early intervention services in Vermont is through Children’s Integrated Services, a family-centered coordinated system of early intervention services.