Early Intervention
Frequently Asked Questions - Early Intervention
At what age is my child eligible for Early Intervention services?
Children who exhibit delays in development under 36 months of age are eligible for enrollment in one of the DMRS Early Intervention (EI) programs. Children can begin receiving services from the time of birth if their needs or condition warrant intervention.
Does my child have to have a certain level of delay in order to qualify for services?
Children must meet either Part C requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) or DMRS requirements for eligibility in order to be enrolled in services. Children who meet Part C eligibility requirements are automatically eligible for DMRS services.
In order to be Part C eligible, the child must be delayed by 25% in two developmental areas or be delayed by 40% in one area. Under Part C, there are some guidelines for adjustment for infants who are premature. Information and referrals for an eligibility evaluation are available through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) at 1-800-462-8261 or at the TEIS website at http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/TEIS/
To be eligible for DMRS only services, a physician or psychologist must determine that the child has (A) an identified syndrome that is associated with impaired intellectual functioning, (B) that the child’s neurological development is significantly delayed, or (C) that development is delayed by 20% or more of a child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas.
Contact the program in your area or the TEIS office to begin the eligibility evaluation process.
If my child is eligible, what services will they receive?
The services and supports your child and you receive depend on the child’s specific needs and the recommendations of his/her Individual Family Support Team in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). We strongly support the importance of the child-parent bond and not only will we focus on helping your child progress; we will assist you in recognizing and implementing your role in your child’s development.
Some areas of Tennessee have centers for children and families to attend and others have teachers who come to the home. Each program is designed for the particular area where it is located and services are determined based on the needs of the child and family.
Who pay s for these services?
Presently, TEIS or DMRS will cover the costs of Early Intervention services. If your child begins to receive EI services from a program that is provided in a center, you may require child care or before/after school programs to accommodate your schedule. Families are responsible for the costs of the child care or before/after school care.
Some centers offer transportation while others do not. Please contact the program in your area to see if that service is available. If transportation is not available, the agency may have a home teacher who can see you and your child on a regular basis.
Why would I refer a baby or toddler to TEIS when the DMRS program says that they can serve the child?
TEIS and DMRS provide different but complimentary services. When a child is referred to TEIS, a Service Coordinator will be assigned to assist you in accessing other needed evaluations and services that may not be available through DMRS alone. While a DMRS agency is providing the specialized training and instruction for you and your family, the Service Coordinator can work to assist with obtaining other services to ensure that the specific needs of your child and family are met.
If my child receives early intervention services will they be labeled for life?
No, receiving EI services does not mean that your child will have a life long problem. It means that, at the moment, your child needs extra attention and guidance to reach developmental milestones. Many children participating in EI will reach age appropriate developmental skills by the time they reach kindergarten. However, if your child does experience ongoing delays, the EI staff will assist you in preparing for the future which may include referring your child for preschool services through IDEIA through your local school system.
Why does my child have to leave services at age three?
Children who meet the IDEIA, Part B eligibility guidelines will begin receiving IDEIA services on their third birthday. These are services that your child is entitled to. The agency will help you apply to your local school system on your child’s second birthday and begin assisting you with the transition process so that your child can be placed in an appropriate setting before his EI services end. If your child does not qualify for IDEIA, Part B services, the agency will inform you of available alternative options in your community and help you make plans for your child’s immediate future.
If I have other questions, who should I call?
East 865-588-0508, ext. 143
Middle 615-884-1921; 615-884-1931
West 731-421-5175; 901-213-1872
Tennessee Early Intervention S ystem 800-462-8261
