DIVISION OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICES

Is there a child in your life ... a son or daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew, friend or foster child - who seems to be developing differently from other children?
(Review Developmental Milestones here)

If so, this child may be eligible for help through Atlantic County's Early Intervention Program. A part of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services, the Early Intervention Program offers services for infants and toddlers (from birth to their third birthday) who have developmental delays or disabilities, as well as support for their families.

Early intervention services are designed to address a problem or delay in development as early as possible. If you suspect your child may exhibit signs of developmental delay, you should call 645-7700, ext. 4390.

Early intervention is designed to:

• support you in ways that enhance your child's growth and well being
• meet the individual needs of your child and family
• fit into the daily life of your family within your home and community
• address concerns that are important to you
• describe how you and early intervention professionals will work together

Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), your family is entitled to receive the following: evaluation/assessment, Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), procedural safeguards and service coordination.

If you suspect your child may exhibit signs of developmental delay, you should call 645-7700, ext. 4390.

WHEN YOU CALL

When you call the Special Child Health Services Case Management Unit, you will talk with a person who knows about early intervention and other resources for children and families. He or she will be able to answer many of your questions.

If you like, your service coordinator can arrange for your child to have a free developmental evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention.

ELIGIBILITY

Your child may be eligible for early intervention if he or she has a developmental delay in one or more of the following areas:

• Adaptive, self-help skills, dressing, feeding
• Cognitive, thinking/learning activities
• Communication, speech and language, understanding what is said, following directions, making needs known
• Gross Motor, large body movement, crawling, walking
• Fine Motor, small body movements, using hands for play
• Sensory, receiving/using information through touch, hearing, sight
• Social and emotional, interacting with children, adults, and the environment

... or has a diagnosed physical or mental condition such as Down Syndrome or Autism.

If you suspect your child may exhibit signs of developmental delay, you should call 645-7700, ext. 4390.