1.What is EI?
Early Intervention (EI) is a program sponsored by the RI Department of Health, Division of Family Health. EI serves children with developmental delays and their families. They provide supports and services to eligible families statewide, working with 7 local service providers.
2.Who is eligible for Early Intervention services?Families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three years old that have certain qualifying conditions or special needs may be eligible to participate in the program. If you have concerns that your child might need Early Intervention services, please contact:
An EI Provider
RIPIN at 800-464-3399 x162 or x153
RI Department of Health Information Line at 800-942-7434
3. Who refers families to Early Intervention?
Anyone can make a referral to the Early Intervention Program. Once a referral is made, the family will be contacted by the provider to obtain permission to begin the intake process (information gathering). Referrals often come from:
Parent/Family members
Physicians
Hospitals
Community Social Service Agencies
Any individual concerned about a child's development
4. What services does Early Intervention provide?
Audiology
Assistive Technology
Family Counseling and Training
Health Services
Home Visits
Interpreter Services
Medical Services
Nursing Services
Nutrition Services
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Psychological Services
Service Coordination
Social Work Services
Special Instruction
Speech/Language
Transportation
Vision Services
5. How will I pay for Early Intervention services?
The program will serve any eligible child and their family regardless of the family's ability to pay. If available, private/commercial health insurance may be used if the family chooses. When consenting to use a family's private health insurance, the family should consider carefully if it will affect the "lifetime maximum benefits" for their child. Federal and state funds also help to pay for Early Intervention services. Families will never be charged for services listed in the IFSP.
6. Who can help me with the Early Intervention process?
Parent Consultants who have personal experience with the Early Intervention program are available to help families. There is at least one parent consultant working with every Early Intervention provider. Parent consultants can offer families resources, support, information, opportunities to connect with other families in the program, ways to get involved with the program and workshops on topics about children with special needs. Parent consultants also survey families about their experience in Early Intervention, so they can provide direct feedback to the programs and the Department of Health. The information gathered will assist the Department of Health in identifying opportunities for improvement.
