Frequently Asked Questions About BabyNet
What is Early Intervention ?
Early Intervention Services help infants and toddlers who have delays in growing, developing and learning.
Early Intervention Services may include therapies, assertive aids and devices, speech/hearing/vision services, service coordination and family training.
Why is Early Intervention Important ?
Research, as well as our own experiences, tells us that the first three years of a child's life are the most critical time of learning. When problems or needs are identified early, they can be lessened or corrected.
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Who is Eligible ?
Infants and toddlers from birth to three years may be eligible for BabyNet services if they are developing more slowly in any of the following ways:
- Learning to walk
- Height & weight
- Learning how to think
- Learning to listen & talk
- Getting along with others
- Doing things on their own
All children who meet the eligibility criteria will be served regardless of family income.
Who is Involved ?
BabyNet consists of parents and professionals working together. There are many agencies involved in the BabyNet program. These include:
- Head Start
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Social Services
- Commission for the Blind
- School for Deaf and Blind
- Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
- Department of Health and Environmental Control
- Department of Health and Human Services
What are Early Intervention Services ?
- Hearing Services..... example: fitting a hearing device.
- Vision Services......example: prescribing glasses.
- Speech Services...... example: finding out why a child does not talk.
- Nursing Services........ example: tube feeding or bandage changing.
- Health Services......example: giving prescribed shots at home.
- Nutrition Services..... example: special diets.
- Family Training ......example: teaching how to hold a child.
- Physical Therapy .....example: working to improve a child's movement.
- Evaluations........example: checking for a hearing loss.
- Occupational Therapy...... example: teaching a child to use a spoon.
- Support Groups...... example: parents getting together.
- Social Work Services .......example: family counseling.
- Transportation .......example: arranging taxi for doctor's appointment.
- Special Instruction....... example: teaching sign language to a mother.
- Psychological Services ........ example: information about child behavior.
- Service Coordination (case management)... example: making a plan (IFSP) to pull services together for the family.
Where can I find other parents to talk to and get information ?
Family Connection is a statewide organization of parents helping
parents of
children with disabilities, developmental delays, and
chronic illnesses. Some of
these children have Down syndrome,
seizure disorders, cerebral palsy, and heart
disease, but help is not limited only to these groups. Family Connection
establishes parent networks wherever there is a need.
The group was started in 1990, and has grown to include hundreds of parents,
grandparents, and siblings who provide emotional
support and understanding to
each other.
Family Connection of South Carolina, Inc.
What do all the Initials stand for anyway ?
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
CRS - Children’s Rehabilitative Services - Children’s Rehabilitative Services
CSHCN - Child With Special Health Care Needs
CSPD - Comprehensive System of Personnel Development
DHEC - Department of Health and Environmental Control
DMH - Department of Mental Health
DOE - Department of Education
DDSN - Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
DSS - Department of Social Services
EI - Early Intervention/Early Interventionist
EI-TAC - Early Intervention Technical Assistance Collaborative
EPSDT - Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
FAPE - Free Appropriate Public Education
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
HHSFC - Department of Health and Human Services Finance Commission
I & R - Information and Referral
ICC - Interagency Coordinating Council
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP - Individualized Education Program
IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan
MCH - Maternal and Child Health
P & A - Protection and Advocacy
PL - Public Law
PAC - Parent Advisory Council
PTI - Parent Training and Information Centers
RFP - Request for Proposals
SCECA - South Carolina Early Child Association
SCSDB - South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind
SCSIS - South Carolina Services Information System
SSA - Social Security Administration
SSI - Social Security Administration
TA - Technical Assistance
TDD/TTY - Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Teletype
UAP - University Affiliated Program