If parents, a child's daycare provider or doctor have concerns about the child's development and/or progress, we are here to help. If the child is under three years of age and you have concerns, parents can call 1-866-693-4769 or go to MN Help Me Grow.

 

On the first meeting date: At least one parent or legal guardian needs to be present. A visit is scheduled with your family to introduce Early Intervention, to collect more specific information about your child, and to identify your family's concerns and priorities. You and the evaluation team will determine the next step in this process. Typically this meeting will occur at your home or another location determined appropriate.

 

On the second meeting date: Early Intervention staff work together with you to determine your child's strengths and needs. Evaluation will include: parent's report, play observation and standardized testing. This meeting can occur at your home or where your child receives childcare during the day (as long as it is within the boundaries of the Anoka-Hennepin School District). The parent or legal guardian may or may not be present depending on the family's schedule and needs.

 

If your child qualifies for Early Childhood Special Education Services: After the evaluation process the Parents and Service providers meet as a team to develop a written plan of services and support for your child and family. This plan is called an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). The purpose of the plan is to assure that your family's concerns and priorities are addressed and that services are provided in a coordinated manner. This meeting can occur at your home or another location determined appropriate and the child does not need to be present or awake for this meeting.

 

After the plan is written and the family has signed the IFSP: Service providers work with you and your child to assist with your child's development and to arrange services that you have helped select to help your child and family. Service providers may include: Early Intervention Teacher or Therapist (speech, occupational, physical), Early Childhood Family Education staff, Social Worker, Public Health Nurse, Private Therapists and others. These services can occur at your home or childcare providers location as long as it is within the school district boundaries.

 

If your child qualifies for service: You will be assigned a service coordinator. Your service coordinator can provide information about resources and support services. The service coordinator arranges team meetings, links families with the services they request, and helps to coordinate the services your family receives.

Assessment/Evaluation: A way of learning about and measuring development to determine a child's strengths and needs. An assessment/evaluation is done by observing the child, asking the family about the child and playing with the child with specific testing materials.

 

Developmental Screening: A strategy to determine if a child may need further evaluation.

 

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): A program available to all families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten. ECFE is offered through public schools and helps families enhance their child's learning and growth.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE): Specialized educational services available for young children with developmental delay or have a condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Children are served by ECSE teachers and therapists.

 

Early Intervention Services: Special services for children birth to three and their families designed to address the needs of children and families who qualify for ECSE services.

 

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): A written plan for service for the birth to three age child that coordinates how people work together to support the family in meeting a child and family's needs.

 

Service Coordinator: The role of the service coordinator is to assist each family in identifying their concerns, prioritizing their needs for early intervention, and identifying resources that will best meet the family's and child's needs.