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Early Intervention
Early Intervention (EI) in Massachusetts is a statewide, integrated, developmental service available to families of children between birth and three years of age. Children may be eligible for EI if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if typical development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.
EI provides family-centered services that facilitate the developmental progress of eligible children. EI helps children acquire the skills they will need to continue to grow into happy and healthy members of the community.
Web resources to learn more about the Early Intervention Program.
Click here
Eligibility for Early Intervention:
Any Massachusetts child up to three years of age and his/her family may be eligible for EI services if the child
- Is not reaching age-appropriate milestones in one or more areas of development.
- Is diagnosed with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition that may result in a developmental delay.
- Is at risk for developmental delay due to various biological and/or environmental factors.
Requesting an EI evaluation:
Anyone (a parent, doctor, care giver, teacher, or friend) can make a referral to EI. Early Intervention services do not require a prescription. Referrals are made directly to a certified program.
Once a referral is received, an EI team will conduct a developmental assessment with the child and family to determine eligibility. This assessment will focus on specific areas of child development, including areas related to cognitive, language, motor, social, emotional, behavioral, and self-help skills
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If the child is eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan is written based on the individual needs of the child and family. EI begins working with the child and family within 45 days of referral.
Services are provided by a professional and dedicated EI team, which includes the child’s family. Depending on the child’s needs, an EI team may also include an educator, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, occupational therapist
social worker, nurse, and other specialty service providers. The child’s medical provider is considered a valuable member of this team.
How and where and how are services provided:
An EI team serves the child and family in what are called “natural environments”, for example, in family homes, childcare centers, community play groups, or libraries. Serving children in natural environments helps them to participate more easily in their everyday activities and with their peers.
Early Intervention Cost:
- There is an annual fee for some families based on family size and income. See website for additional information.
- Families do not bear the cost of insurance co-payments and deductibles.
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Medicaid, Massachusetts health insurance and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) pay for services.
Early Intervention Programs for Westwood Residents
Enable Inc. Early Intervention Program
275 Prospect Street
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone Number: 781-255-1817
Fax: 781-762-8542
Email: enable@attbi.com
Program Director: Janine Davey
Thom Neponset Valley Early Intervention (formally JF&CS)
198 Vanderbilt Ave., Route 1
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone Number: 781-551-0405
Fax: 781-551-9901
Email: dfrodyma@thomchild.org
Program Director: Donna Frodyma
www.thomchild.org
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