Early Intervention Process

Intake Appointment
 After the initial referral is made a service coordinator is assigned. The service coordinator contacts the family to schedule the intake appointment. The intake appointment is approximately one hour long and includes getting to know your family and child, a review of Centre County Early Intervention services and supports, and completing paperwork. Upon completion of this appointment further evaluation may occur.

Eligibility
 Early Intervention services are available to infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, who have a significant delay (25% or greater) in one or more areas of development, or have a high probability for developmental delays based on a known physical or mental conditions. Eligibility is based on delays in the following developmental areas using whole domain scores:

  • Physical development
  • Language and speech development
  • Social and emotional development
  • Self-help (adapted)
  • Cognitive development

After Eligibility is Determined 
 If a child is determined to be eligibility for Early Intervention services, the service coordinator, family and evaluator work together on developing the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), a written plan detailing family's concerns and priorities, goals and strategies, and the Early Intervention services and supports to be provided. The service coordinator meets regularly with the family to assess the child's progress is completing her/his outcomes, the family's level of satisfaction with services, and the need for community resources and supports.

If a child is not eligible for Early Intervention, he/she may be eligible for the Tracking Program. Children eligible for this service must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Affected by elevated lead level
  • Affected by prenatal substance exposure, including alcohol
  • Birth weight was under 1500 grams (3.5 pounds)
  • Cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Experiencing Homelessness
  • Referred by Children & Youth Services

If a child is enrolled in the Tracking Program, the service coordinator meets with the family at set intervals to complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The results are reviewed with the family. Developmental information, community supports and resources are provided as needed or requested.

Funding
 Early Intervention services are provided free of costs to families regardless of income. Early Intervention is funded through Federal, State and County dollars. Medical Assistance will be billed with parental consent for those children who eligible for this service.