Early Steps, Big Strides: Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Seven Hills Early Intervention (EI) Program in Rhode Island provides supports to families with children, birth to three years of age, who are at risk of, or who are currently experiencing, developmental delays. These delays can affect speech, physical abilities and social skills. During this crucial stage of a child’s growth and development, the Seven Hills EI professionals work with families as a team to help them help their children where they learn best: at home and in community settings. Children may be referred by a parent, a birth hospital, a pediatrician, a child care provider—any professional or loved one who has a concern for the child’s development and would like the child to be evaluated.
A Service Coordinator works with a team to assess the child’s development based on medical history, observation of the child performing a daily routine, and learning about the child’s likes, dislikes, successes, and difficulties. If the child is eligible for EI, the team will work with the family to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), to develop priorities, goals and outcomes.
The Seven Hills professionals make it as convenient as possible for families to schedule their EI visits in the child’s natural environment—at home, in a child care setting, or during a community activity. The family’s multidisciplinary EI team may include educators, therapists, social workers, and nutritionists. Parent Consultants (PCs)—parents whose children have been through the EI program—are also available to share resources, offer support, and facilitate networking.
Transition - Turning Three
Seven Hills works with Local Education Agencies (LEA) and families to start the transition process for eligible children, at 28 months of age, to services provided through the local school district, beginning at age three.
Payment
There are no out-of-pocket costs for families receiving Early Intervention. Funding is accessed through medical assistance, the state, and private health insurance. Contact Seven Hills today to see how our team of professionals can help your child make Big Strides.
