Tell me about EI

J&MsMom

Has anyone gone through EI? Was it an easy process? I should know about it because I'm a SPED teacher, but I deal with the older kids. How long was it before services started? Any tips? Thanks.

kck329

I have had a great experience with our EI. C gets OT 3X a month and a nutritionist every other month. It has made a huge difference with C-she has very low muscle tone in her upper body and with lots of work she can now hold her head up well! Each visit the therapist works with her and then teaches me the exercises to do until the next visit so I can work with her every day.

The process was very easy-our NICU wrote a referral and EI called us within two weeks of discharge. Then they set up an eval and we started services. They re-evaluate every three months so if you LO needs different services or does not need services anymore you can make changes. Once you are enrolled you have access for the first three years of life.

Cara03

kck329:

The process was very easy-our NICU wrote a referral and EI called us within two weeks of discharge. Then they set up an eval and we started services. They re-evaluate every three months so if you LO needs different services or does not need services anymore you can make changes. Once you are enrolled you have access for the first three years of life.

I agree with this.

We, also, have had and continue to have a great experience with EI. We currently have OT once a month and the teacher twice a month. Services have changed based on different goals (which we write every 3 months). These ladies have been amazingly reassuring, educating, and supportive. I've had a ton of "what if" fears, problems over analyzing every little thing looking for something terribly wrong with LO, waiting for the other shoe to drop, and they know him so well by now, they are often able to answer my questions over the phone, facebook, etc, and they do tell me when we need a trip to the doctor verses when things are just normal or little issues. My latest scare was an increase in falling while walking, and they helped us through it perfectly and it turns out it was just that he was tiring himself out and not self-regulating to take breaks and do sitting activities for awhile. It seems so obvious now, but when I'm all worried, I can miss the obvious. Grrr... Sorry this got long, but yes, they have helped my LO so much, and helped me to be a better mom as well. I hope your experience is just as great!

jacque_z

EI has been great for us.  It's been super easy. Our social worker at the NICU set it up and then our Case Mgr. called us within a week or so and then they came to our house a couple weeks after that.  C is seen at the house by her Developmental Specialist every two weeks.  C doesn't receive any therapies at this point but it definitely provides me with a lot of peace of mind since I worry about my preemie constantly!!    

bhilyer

We were referred by our NICU PT.  We have our eval tomorrow  I'm excited and nervous all at once.

I know that in AL, they have 45 days from the date of the referral to do an intake interview, evaluation and begin services. 

Does your state have Childfind?  It's a program that helps identify at-risk children.  If not, you can contact your local health dept. 

lemen99

ditto everyone else

Andrew is in PT, OT, and ST.  They have made a world of a difference for him.  The process is a bit slower than I'd like.  GL!

Rachie_B

Hi,

I'm an Early Intervention Specialist.  In SC a referral is made to BabyNet.  Anyone can make the referral (doctor, parent, teacher, etc.).  Once a referral is made a BabyNet coordinator goes to the home to do an evaluation.  Once the evaluation is complete, if the child qualifies then an Early Intervention Specialist will contact the family to set up an initial intake.  

Durin the initial intake the EI will work with the families to come up with several goals to work on based off the evaluation and the parent's concerns. The EI will set up weekly 1 hour Family Training sessions.  During these sessions the EI will help teach the parents/caregivers what kinds of activities to do with their child to help in their area of delay.  For the child it's an hour of play therapy.  

The EI will also work on Service Coodination goals.  These goals include setting up Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, etc. (if needed).  It also includes helping families set up appointments, daycare help, etc.  

The children are reevaluated every three months.  Children are eligible for services free of charge until their 3rd birthday (if a delay is present).  Before their 3rd birthday the EI will work with the family to set up appointments with their school district to get help with services if they qualify.  

This is how it works in SC.  If you have any other specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them!!  Good Luck and Best Wishes!! 

bkjcwedding

EI has been such a blessing!  B gets weekly speech therapy and has progressed by leaps and bounds since starting it about a month ago.  The process was fairly slow to get started.. maybe 3 weeks to a month before services started, but was easy and everyone we've been involved with has been amazing.  GL!! 

J&MsMom

You ladies are awesome as usual. We have our initial evaluation next week. I'm excited to get some input on him.