September, 2023 – Early Intervention Updates

The Case Closures Page was revised and edited to reflect current procedures for documenting Early Intervention cases that are closed (referrals ended), prior to the development of a learner’s IFSP.
A resource document, Codes and Definitions Used in the ACHIEVE System – Early Intervention was developed, and includes descriptions and examples of how learner and family scenarios would be coded for case closures. This document is linked in the Early Interventions Resource Page of i3, and also linked within the Case Closure Page for reference by Early ACCESS providers.

The Exiting Early Intervention Page was revised and edited to reflect current procedures for documenting learner exits prior to age 3 and upon reaching age 3.
A resource document, Codes and Definitions Used in the ACHIEVE System – Early Intervention was developed, and includes descriptions and examples of how learner and family scenarios would be coded for exits from Early Access – cases where a learner exits services after they have already had an IFSP developed. This document is linked in the Early Interventions Resource Page of i3, and also linked within the Exiting Early Intervention Page for reference by Early Access providers.

General Edits and Access – Page had some reorganization, general edits and points of clarification. References to secure electronic methods of sharing records are made.
Records of Parties Obtaining Access to Educational Records: This requirement was added back into procedures: The AEA must keep a record of parties, except parents and authorized employees, obtaining access to early intervention records used for Early ACCESS. The records must include the following information: Name of the party; date access was given, and the purpose for which the party is authorized to use the records. In most cases, parent consent is given through an Consent to Release and Exchange Information form, and this document is maintained in the state IFSP system, serving as the required documentation above. In unusual cases of another party accessing records, where written consent is not in place (e.g. child abuse investigation, medical emergency) the agency maintaining the records (AEA or participating agency) will alternatively document instances of access.
The revised guidance is integrated into the Early Intervention Records page.

A document/resource was developed that lists and describes Referral End Codes (when a child does not develop an initial IFSP), Delay Codes (used to monitor the timely service delivery, timeliness of IFSP services and transition timelines) and Exit Codes (exit reasons for children receiving Early Access services and exit before and after their third birthday). The Codes and Definitions Used in the ACHIEVE System – Early Intervention document is housed on the Early Intervention Resource Page, and also linked in procedures, within the Case Closures and Exiting Early Intervention Pages.

The CHSC: Guidelines for Health Assessment document has been updated to provide the most current process and guidance. CHSC partners with Early ACCESS to provide child specific health assessment information for learners receiving early intervention services. The document is housed in the Early Intervention Resources Page.

The CHSC: Early ACCESS Nutrition Services document has been updated to provide the most current process and guidance. CHSC partners with Early ACCESS to provide nutrition screening, evaluation and ongoing services to learners, when needed. The resource is housed in the Early Intervention Resource Page.

This updated CHSC/Early ACCESS Nutrition Services brochure is a resource to Early ACCESS teams, explaining the CHSC and Early ACCESS partnership to provide individualized nutrition services as part of the early intervention process. The resource is housed in the Early Intervention Resource Page.