The Arc Jackson County

“Early Intervention” might be the provider’s way of describing services that they provide to babies or young children. However, it might also indicate that the provider is a vendor for your state’s publicly funded program. This means the services with this provider might be covered by your state! 

The first step in accessing these free services from your state is to get an evaluation. The evaluation will help the state determine what services your child qualifies for, if any. You can find your state’s local EI program by clicking here.

When you contact your local center, say “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if they are eligible for early intervention services.” They will ask screening questions and arrange for an evaluation, which is provided for free.

Most children go to daycare before they enter preschool at age 3 or 4. Most children stop daycare at the age of 6 when they go to school. Children who are homeschooled might continue daycare programs. Kids diagnosed with autism or other developmental disabilities might be in both daycare and therapy programs longer. Special needs programs and centers help children up to 26 years old.

One of the best things you can do is to have a conversation with the daycare staff. Share details about your child’s autism diagnosis, strengths, and challenges. Building open lines of communication will help you work together to support your child’s needs. Prepare the daycare provider to work with your child with a physical guidebook. This guidebook can include all of your child’s favorite things and how to calm them down. You might already have one ready from your experience with babysitters or teachers!

To read more about finding the right daycare provider, check out our guide.

There isn’t one set way that an IEP meeting is run, but generally it involves everyone on the IEP team reviewing your child’s goals, progress, and sharing ideas and suggestions on what supports or accommodations may be helpful to accomplish those goals.

It’s required that the school staff go over every section of the IEP with you and explain every part. This is only a draft, because the IEP may change based on what’s discussed in the meeting. You do not have to sign or agree to the IEP at the IEP meeting. If you don’t like the IEP, you may not have to agree to it at all.

Regina, the mother of two young children with developmental differences, shares why she opened an ABLE account:

“I am saving for both of my children’s futures. I want my son and daughter to be able to live a comfortable life in their own homes when they are ready to be independent. I want to make sure they have the opportunity for reliable transportation to medical appointments and jobs. I also hope this will provide them the opportunity to travel, learn or take part in extracurricular activities.”

You can read more about ABLE savings accounts in our guide.