Additional information:
A ChildStrive Team Family Resource Coordinator will: Gather information about your concerns and priorities, and your child’s health history Explain what services are available through early intervention and process for enrollment Discuss eligibility criteria of Washington State’s Early Support for Infant and Toddler (ESIT) program Schedule an initial evaluation with you and your child Evaluation Evaluations take place in the child’s natural environment; that is, wherever they spend their days and with the important people in their lives. This is typically at home with the child and his or her parent(s) or other caregiver. ChildStrive team members will bring everything they need for the evaluation, including test materials, enrollment paperwork, and helpful information for the family regarding ChildStrive services and programs, as well as other community resources. To be eligible to receive Early Intervention services a child must have a 25% delay in one or more developmental areas. A child may also be eligible if they have a physical or medical condition such as Down syndrome that is known to cause a delay in development. If the child is eligible for Early Intervention services, the family may complete ChildStrive enrollment paper work during the initial evaluation appointment. The family will also schedule their initial IFSP meeting with their Family Resource Coordinator. If your child’s evaluation score rates his or her abilities within the range of typically developing children, they are not eligible for Early Intervention services. At the family’s request, the Team Family Resource Coordinator can provide information about other community resources. After three to six months, if there are still concerns, families are welcome to contact ChildStrive for a second evaluation. At the initial Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting, ChildStrive staff and the family will work together to develop a customized IFSP identifying the desired family outcomes, how often and how long services will be, where services will take place, who will be involved, and who will pay for services (many different sources fund Early Intervention services, including public and private insurance.) Families will receive services regardless of ability to pay. Services are supported by grants and fundraising so are provided despite a family’s inability to pay. The IFSP is an ongoing process that meets the changing needs of the child and family. It is reviewed at least every 6 months and rewritten on an annual basis. At ChildStrive, the primary coach (PC) often serves as the family’s main service provider and as their Family Resource Coordinator (FRC). Therapies begin once the IFSP has been completed and outcomes based on family priorities have been identified. All services are provided in the child’s natural learning environment – where the child lives and plays.