EARLY INTERVENTION
The Role of Early Intervention
The role of early intervention is to support parents and families to help their children learn and grow throughout their everyday activities and routines. Early Intervention, also known as Early ACCESS, service providers work with parents and other caregivers to help their children develop to their fullest potential.
Evaluation and Eligibility
AEAs, Child Health Specialty Clinics, and families collaborate to complete comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility for early intervention services, which is known as Early ACCESS in Iowa. An infant or toddler must have a developmental delay or disability to be eligible for Early ACCESS services and supports. IFSP teams complete evaluations to determine initial eligibility and continued eligibility for Early ACCESS services.
Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a legal document developed for each eligible child with a delay or disability that describes the child’s and family’s plan, including services and supports based on needs and family priorities. AEAs must ensure that there is an IFSP team for each child with a delay or disability and that an IFSP is developed, reviewed, and revised if needed every six months for each eligible child.
Early Intervention Procedural Safeguards
The parents and families of children with disabilities have rights, known as procedural safeguards, which apply to every aspect of the early intervention process. State and federal laws and regulations outline what process and protections must be in place to ensure that children with identified delays or disabilities and on an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Learn About Iowa Early Intervention Services
Iowa’s area education agencies (AEAs) and Child Health Specialty Clinics are responsible for the statewide service provision of early intervention to ensure that no matter where a family lives in Iowa, services will be available. Service coordination, assessments, evaluations, and any needed early intervention services provided by Early ACCESS are available at no cost to families.
Contact Us: IFSN (888-425-4371) https://www.iafamilysupportnetwork.org/families/early-access/