EARLY INTERVENTION The first three years of your child's development are very important. Human learning and development are most rapid in the time from birth to age three. That's why it's so important to give a child the best start possible. The earlier a child with a disability or a developmental delay is diagnosed and gets help, the better that child's ultimate quality of life. Early Intervention is a combination of services, supports and extra efforts aimed at preventing or minimizing developmental delays in infants and toddlers.

Early intervention can equip parents with resources, skills and support to make the most of their childs' early years.

The checklist below offers some examples of typical child development. Of course every child develops at his or her own pace, but if your child shows a delay, he or she may benefit
from a comprehensive assessment.
Do the checklist, find out today where your child falls in development.

DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKLIST This document requires Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a copy click on the button below to download a free copy. Then click on the Checklist link.

All Indiana children under three are entitled to receive a free evaluation to determine eligibility, through First Steps, Indiana's Early Intervention Program.
Any child birth to three years of age, with a disability, a diagnosed developmental delay or who is biologically at risk for a delay may be eligible for Early Intervention Services.

INFANT MONITORING PROGRAM is a free monitoring program for all children from birth to age three. A questionnaire is mailed to all participating families every four months for self evaluation of their child's developmental progress. This questionnaire helps to reassure parents that their child's development is on target. If a delay is detected, evaluation, (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental therapy, etc. ) are offered to the family and where needed services are provided through the First Steps program.
The goal of this service is to help ensure that all children are entering
kindergarten ready to learn.

How do children get referred to First Steps?
Children can be referred for Early Intervention Services by calling the LaGrange County System Point of Entry (SPOE) located in the First Steps office . Referrals may be made by parents, doctors, hospitals, clinics, agencies, or anyone that is concerned about your child.

SYSTEM POINT OF ENTRY (SPOE)

Arc Opportunities is your LaGrange County System Point of Entry(SPOE). As such, Arc can provide access to information about funding and service options. Arc encourages the early referral of infants and toddlers to the First Steps system, as well as provides an additional access point for for families with children with special health care needs up to age 21. Arc ensures a consistent and visible point of access within your community for a parent with a child who has special needs; or for the parent with concerns about their child's development.

Arc provides a single point of entry for families whose children may need additional services. An intake coordinator meets with the families in their homes or a location they so desire, to determine what assistance the child and their family needs to be successful. The intake coordinator helps to locate appropriate services/supports and
shares the various options available with the families.
The focus in on the needs of the child and their family.

FIRST STEPS

First Steps is a collaboration with Children's Special Health Care Services established to expand access to information and a variety of services for children with disabilities, developmental delays or special health care needs. First Steps also assists families in locating and accessing various funding options that are available
to infants, toddlers and children up to age 21.

As a family centered coordinated system, First Steps provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers. The program includes those children ages birth to threes years old who are experiencing developmental delays, have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, or who are at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided. The program offers a wide array of services (16 in all) to meet the needs of children who qualify.
If you are concerned about your childhood development and would like to inquire as to whether this program might be for your child call Arc Opportunities!