The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a system of supports and services provided to children birth to three years of age who have developmental delays and/or some specific medically diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay. The goal of Early Intervention is to help a family meet the developmental and health-related needs of their child. A child's Early Intervention services are based on the individual needs of the child, the primary concerns expressed by the family, and the family's resources. Services and supports are provided in settings that are natural and convenient for the family, such as home, local library, or Childcare including the Jerry Davis Center for Children and Families.
The following EIP services are available at no cost to the family:
Evaluation and Assessment
Writing of an Individual Service Plan (includes recommendations for services)
Service Coordination (Case Management)
Procedural Safeguards
To be eligible for Early Intervention Services a child must meet the following criteria:
Developmental Delay of 25% in two or more areas of development
Developmental Delay of 33% in one area of development
Medically diagnosed physical or mental condition that typically results in developmental delay (Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, etc.)
If a child is found eligible for EIP services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is written. The IFSP includes developmental goals and service recommendations. If you choose to receive the recommended services through EIP, your child will be referred to a comprehensive service provider. The Jerry Davis Early Childhood Center is an EIP comprehensive service provider in Somerset County.
EIP Services available (Co-pay for services may be required):
Developmental Intervention
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Family Therapy
Methods that may be utilized by JDCCF therapists and teachers:
The Listening Program
PROMPT
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Other Specialty Services that may be utilized by JDCCF therapists and teachers:
Feeding
Augmentative Communication
Orthotics
Sensory Integration
Adaptive Equipment
Seating
Ambulation
Fabrication of hand & foot splints
EIP families may also be interested in utilizing other Arc resources such as:
- Family Support
PACT Parents and Children Together
- Developmental Daycare
To refer your child for Early Intervention Services, call the Statewide Toll Free Referral Number at 1-888-653-4462. This number will connect you to a regional system point of entry for the NJ Early Intervention System.
For more information about the Early Intervention System, visit the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
Interested in an exciting and rewarding career working in the Early Intervention System? Special Education Teachers, Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapists contact Jennifer Orlick at jennifero@thearcofsomerset.org.
