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FAQ / Early Intervention Definitions / Helpful Links

 

Common questions asked by parents:

  • Q: Why is Early Intervention important?
    • A: Early care and education have a definite, long-lasting impact on how children develop, learn, and regulate their emotions. It plays an important role in healthy development. The human brain has a remarkable ability to change, but timing is crucial. A child develops faster during the critical years from birth to 3 than at any other time. Thorough, timely intervention can improve the prospects and the quality of life for many children. Early intervention is cost-effective. It can reduce or eliminate future need for costly special education, and can maximize the potential for independence.
  • Q: What if I am concerned that my child is developing slower than other children?
    • A: Talk to your pediatrician or review the list of typical developmental milestones. If you are concerned you can call our center and refer your child for an evaluation.
  • Q: What area do I need to live in to receive services from the Jordan Child Development Center?
    • A: The Jordan Child Development Center serves the Jordan and Canyons School District boundaries. If you live outside of those areas, you can go to the following link babywatch.utah.gov to determine what program to contact in the state of Utah.
  • Q: What is the evaluation and eligibility determination process?
    • A: A child development specialist/team will come to your home to meet with you. The evaluation usually includes observing your child, asking you questions about your child’s development and assessing your child in all areas of development.  This process might also include a separate visit to evaluate your child's hearing with one of our audiologist and reviewing your child's health history with our nurse.  There is no fee charged for the evaluation process.
  • Q: What is the cost for Early Intervention services?
    • A: If your child qualifies for services, you may be charged a monthly family fee based on a sliding fee scale, which is based upon income, family size, and current medical and child care expenses. Families will not be denied services based on an inability to pay.
  • Q: Who qualifies for Early Intervention services?
    • A: Children under 36 months of age who reside in Jordan and Canyons School District boundaries, who have a significant delay in at least one area of development, or have a qualifying diagnosis may be eligible for services.
  • Q: What is included in early intervention services and where are services provided?
    • A: Children may qualify for a variety of services based on their individual needs. Services are provided primarily in the home or where a child typically spends each day.
  • Q: What is an Individualized Family Service Plan or IFSP?
    • A: The IFSP is a treatment plan created by parents and other team members. It outlines the goals and outcomes for your child and family as well as services you will receive to help you and your child meet the goals.
  • Q: How are parents involved in the process?
    • A: Parents/caregivers are critical members of the early intervention team.  Parents are expected to be active participants throughout each process and home visits.  As a parent of a child eligible for early intervention services, you have rights that guarantee you and your child certain protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Early Intervention Definitions/Terms

Service Coordinator: 
A service coordinator, coordinates evaluation and assessment information, and assists in the development and review of your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).  With the help of your service coordinator you will identify the appropriate services your child and family need.  He/she coordinates and monitors the delivery of early intervention services, communicates with any medical and health providers involved with your child, and facilitates the transition to community programs when your child is no longer eligible for services.

Special Educators:
The special educator is responsible for implementing activities in the home, community, and center, to enhance the development of the child.  They incorporate the IFSP goals into the daily routines of the family.

Speech Language Pathologists:
The role of the speech-language pathologist is to assist families in understanding the communication needs of their child.

Occupational Therapists:
An occupational therapist, often called an OT, is consulted to work with children who have difficulty with motor skills and activities of daily living.  OT’s teach children how to functionally use their muscles to play and explore their environment.

Physical Therapists:
A physical therapist, often called a PT, is consulted to assess and work with children who have difficulty with gross motor skills. PT’s teach children how to functionally use their muscles to walk, play and explore their environment.

Nurse:
The Jordan Child Development Center has a registered nurse who will visit with you and complete a health review that includes, height, weight, hearing and vision screening, and check your child's immunization records.

Audiologist:
The Jordan Child Development Center have audiologists who will complete a yearly hearing assessment on your child.  The audiologist will follow your child very closely for any hearing concerns.

Vision and Hearing Specialists:
The Utah School for the Deaf and Blind Parent Infant Program (PIP)  offers vision and hearing services as part of the local early intervention team.  PIP provides home-based services to families and consultation services to other professionals working with your child.

General Information Links

Many of our families ask for more information on community resources. Knowledgeable parents are the best advocates for their children and are the most insightful about what is best for their families. The following is a list of some helpful resources for families and their children. If you find other sites that you have found helpful, please let us know and we will add it to our site!

*Sites are posted for the benefit of families.  The Jordan Child Development Center is not responsible for the content found on these sites. 

Infant/Child Development
(Newborn to Three Years)

Many parents have questions about their child's development. We have collected a list of beneficial links about development. Remember, as you look at this information, that infants and toddlers are unique and do not necessarily fall into exact stages. Every child does develop differently and each child faces different challenges. If you have specific questions about your child's development, please talk to your pediatrician or early intervention provider.

*Sites are posted for the benefit of families.  The Jordan Child Development Center is not responsible for the content found on these sites.