Is Early Intervention for everybody?

I hope this isn't an obnoxious question --

I have some concerns about the kiddos' development. The ped isn't really concerned, but said I could call Early Intervention for an evaluation if I wanted.

I know this is a free service, but is it meant to be used by people who *need* a free service? We live in a big house in a posh neighborhood, and can afford a private therapist, so I really don't want the EI people to roll their eyes at my calling them....do you know what I mean?

Or, if the EI evaluation says that the kids need therapy of some sort, do I then go to a private therapist? Or, do I move forward with EI, and not feel guilty since my tax dollars are paying for it....

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

I don't really have any experience with this, but I think it is something that is available to all children regardless of financial means. My sister had early intervention for one of her children. It worked out great for her. She has had an IEP (individualized education program) right from the start. She is now in 1st grade and has worked with speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc. I am not sure if there was any cost associated with the therapies but her experience with the public schools has been great and my sister has worked closely with all involved to ensure that she is getting all that she needs.

I would say call them. They can answer your questions about services after the initial evaluation.

 

Our boys are EI for physical therapy, here there is a payment chart according to family income, were as some people get EI as a free service others are asked to pay a yearly fee. The program itself is great I love that our PT comes right to our house makes it easier. By all means call them.

 

Yup, it is for everybody. Like pp said, depending on you state there may be a fee or your insurance may be charged some. Certainly if you are concerned about development get an eval.
Good luck

 

AFAIK, where I live, EI is free for everyone. They've been coming every 4 wks since the beginning, and I can't praise them highly enough. It is a wonderful service.

Maybe when they come, you could just ask about the financial issue. I'm sure they'd appreciate your concern about not wanting to use taxpayer money when you can afford private care - it reflects very well on you!

Good luck. I hope you can get some reassurance about your developmental concerns. :hug99:

 

I think it depends on where you live. In MI it is a free service- they have evaluated my girls since 6 months old- they di drecc therapy and our insurance covered it completely, I dont' know what we woudl have paid(if anything) if we did not have insurace).

I would call. EI is for everyone and you pay your taxes- it is in place to help identify and assist 0-3 children before problems go untreated! They are an invaluable resource- use it!

KC

 

it is for any child under 3 i believe. and in MA it is based on income. i had them in to do an evaluation that was free or covered by my insurance. you can do that every 6 months i think it was. mine both had torticollis...but i ended up going to a massage therapist for it instead. EI would have come to the house, but i think it was just going to be too much money up front for both. they shouldn't roll their eyes it is their job.

it is supposed to be a great program, but then again, i guess it depends on where you live.

good luck!

Lois

 

It is for anyone who needs it. Here in MD it is free if you qualify for it after an evaluation.

My two got in once they got home from the NICU and then were released at 18 months. There is nothing wrong with getting them evaluated if you are at all concerned, I would get them evaluated.

 

I would call them. We have used them since the girls came home from the hospital. We are kind of in your same situation financially and they have treated us wonderfully. When the girls were little they came to our house every other week and went to our daycare to work with the teachers. The girls will be 2 in January and they now come every other month. The girls are no longer developmentally delayed and I owe it all to them. They can follow them until they are 3 and even though they are on target I plan to keep them involved to watch for any new delays. They are the experts and I want to catch anything as early as possible.

I also oversee case management for our County and our case managers work with families with children with mental retardation. We are here to help the children lead a great life so families are not judged for what they have or don't have. We work with some families who make very good money but it doesn't matter. We are there to help the kids.

 

It is free. I at first couldn't quite believe there was not some charge involved, as we would definitely not qualify for anything at no cost, but it is free in our state. It's done through my school system and I take Grace 2 days a week, and they even pay my mileage there and back.

I figure I pay out a huge boatload of taxes for the great school system I live in, so I do not feel guilty.

That being said, I dont' think EI therapy is free in every state. Some states do charge something based on your income.

They'll do an evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for any therapy. In Michigan, they must be at least 50% delayed in two areas of development. Grace wasn't that delayed in anything, but her pedi wrote a script for OT and PT and that's how we qualified (she's 20 months, and can walk on her own with a lot of begging and prodding, we want her to just walk already, un-prodded).