EI issues

Early Intervention is really, really frustrating to me. The process started in April. We just saw a PT last week...she rushed us through which ticked me off. She said that Claire has a sensory issue, and will need an OT consult. Well that won't be til the 20th. Claire needs it really bad as she is pretty far behind, and all I can do is watch her be "stuck" as the PT called it. It makes me so sad...I just want to get the ball rolling.

Then, my family just thinks she will do it all on her own in her own time. They think this is all a waste of time. Even DH is not being that supportive about it and said the same thing about her doing it on her own. He thinks it is stupid that they determine stuff by asking me questions. Well, that is how they have to do it since they are not with the babies 24/7 like I am.

I just feel a bit alone in this situation. The girls have two coordinators...one is EI...she is nice, and I like her, but I think she is young and somewhat inexperienced. The other one is through something called "Help Me Grow". It is a service through our county that deals with this, teen moms, home daycares, etc... I love this coordinator. She has been so great with the girls. I will see her tomorrow at Kindermuzic. I don't know if she knows how frustrated I am thinking we would have the OT evaluation this week...not 3wks from now.

 

I don't know if this applies to EI, but with special ed, federal law requires certain things be done within a specific time frame. You might want to look at Wrightslaw.com for information on early intervention.
Also, once things get started it will be amazing how quickly you see changes. It's just so frustrating waiting to get answers and services. Good luck.

 

EI does follow the same laws, and they have between 30-45 days to do an eval once it is requested. Unfortunately, EI therapist schedules tend to be packed and they can't usually do an eval as soon as the parent would like.

 

I took us about 30 days for our eval and another 3 weeks for therapy to start- BUT then it was 2x a week. They are mostlikely overworked, underpaid, and short staffed.... Once it got started we have had wonderful EI people!!

Hang in there! It will hopefully be worth the wait!

KC

 

Hang in there because it will be so worth it in the end! I know how you feel when you mentioned that no one else seems to be supportive of having EI to begin with. I honestly think it is because people don't understand how important it truly is. Yes our children may or may not improve on their own but if there is something that we as parents can do to help them along, I say go for it! You know in your gut what they need and don't let others tell you otherwise. It isn't like you are going to harm them by getting the help. I also have thrown out there that it is usually the mom (or whoever in each case) that is doing most of the work to help our little ones anyway so it isn't bothering others around you so why do they care?!?!?!