Opening Doors – Special Child Health Services and the Early Intervention Program

The third week in May has been designated as Early Intervention Week in New Jersey. The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) is a statewide system of supports and services for infants and toddlers birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities.
The goal of Early Intervention is to partner with families to help them meet the developmental and health-related needs of their children. Although not all children develop at the same pace, there are recognized milestones that most children develop at certain ages. If a child is not achieving one or more of the major developmental milestones, some intervention may be needed.
In our county, the Special Child Health Services within the Health Department provides assistance to families with a child from birth to 21 years of age who is diagnosed with, or later develops, a condition that can affect development and/or lead to physical disability.
Families or professionals in Cape May who are concerned about a child from birth to age three who seems to have developmental delay in one or more areas are encouraged to apply to the Early Intervention Program within Special Child Health Services.
A service coordinator assesses these concerns and, if deemed necessary and with written consent of the family, a multi-disciplinary evaluation of the child’s developmental levels and needs is scheduled. This evaluation is given by qualified professionals and provides information in several developmental areas such as talking, feeding, behavior, walking/movement, vision and hearing. With permission from the family, information such as medical records may be requested to further determine the child’s strengths and needs.
Following the evaluation and assessment process, an Individualized Family Service Plan is written based on the information collected from the family, as well as from the evaluation. This plan is both a plan and a process. It is a written document, which identifies needed services and supports, but it is also an ongoing process of gathering, sharing and exchange of information between the family and the Early Intervention professionals.
The services needed are documented and the frequency, location, provider and duration of the services, and how the costs will be covered are also included. The plan is reviewed at least every six months to make sure it continues to meet the needs of the child and family.
The Early Intervention Program uses a family centered approach, based upon the uniqueness of the family and its culture. It promotes delivery of needed services in settings most comfortable and natural for the child and the family so that peer relationships with children without disabilities are possible.
The services delivered, which are usually at little or no cost to the family, reflect current best practices to ensure the most positive outcomes for the child and family.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, consult with your health care provider or call the County Special Child Health Services Unit. In our county, Trish Schlarp (609-465-1202) is the Service Coordinator for the Early Intervention Program (birth to three years); Elaine Lee (609-465-6541) is the coordinator for children aged four to 21 years. To schedule an evaluation for the Early Intervention Program, call 1-888-653-4463.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Cape May County Special Child Health Services offers several brochures that contain checklists of the major developmental milestones from birth to 12 months, 12 to 24 months and 24 to 36 months. To obtain these brochures, call Trish at 465-1202
• The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is holding a free two-evening workshop from 5 to 8 p.m. on Mon., June 6 and Mon., June 13 at Victoria Commons (610 Town Bank Road in North Cape May). Pre-registration is required. Call 800-272-3900 or email Carolyn.peterson @alz.org
• The 2011 edition of the Medicare and You handbook, which all Medicare recipients receive in the mail, is now available in Braille. To request a copy, call 800-633-4227
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services