Special Education

Special Education for Children Birth-Age 3

There are lots of skills that develop in the first three years of a child’s life. Some infants and toddlers meet developmental milestones more slowly than expected. This is called a developmental delay. Early intervention can help infants and toddlers with delays catch up in their development.

Early intervention focuses on skills in these five areas:

• Physical skills (reaching, crawling, walking, drawing, building)
• Cognitive skills (thinking, learning, solving problems)
• Communication skills (talking, listening, understanding others)
• Self-help or adaptive skills (eating, dressing)
• Social or emotional skills (playing, interacting with others)

Early Intervention in Central Indiana

First Steps is Indiana’s Early Intervention System for infants, toddlers, and their families.

Wondering if your child is eligible?

Getting started has never been easier! Download a developmental checklist to identify your child’s areas of strength and possible areas of needed support. Complete the online referral form or call 317-257-2229 to speak to an eligibility specialist to schedule your free assessment.

IFSP, IEP & Case Conferences

For kids to receive services, they need an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) or and Individualized Education Plan (IEP), depending on their age.  If your child has been evaluated, the process of getting one has already begun. But there’s still a lot to learn about how the process works and what your role looks like.

Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP)

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is both a process and a document and is provided if your child is found eligible for early intervention services. An IFSP can help infants and toddlers develop to their fullest potential.

An IFSP includes…

• A plan that guides and supports your efforts to boost your child’s development up to age 3
• The services your baby or toddler should receive, including the results (or goals) you and the team hope to achieve for your child
• What you need as a family to best support your child

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

IEPs are part of PreK–12 public education and the first step for kids over age three to receive services. An IEP is more than just a written legal document (or “plan”). It’s a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need to make progress and thrive in school.

An IEP includes…

• A plan for special education and related services for children ages 3-21
• A deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges
• Exactly how the school plans to help your child improve and build skills

Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver Program

Medicaid Waivers, sometimes called Home and Community Based Services, allow Medicaid to fund supports and services for children and adults with disabilities in their family homes or community residential programs instead of institutions. The Family Supports Waiver (FSW) allows an individual to use traditional Medicaid services and the additional services available through the Medicaid Waiver program.

What does the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) offer?

The FSW provides up to $17,300 per person, per year based upon an individual’s needs and delivered either in a home-based or community-based setting. Services covered under the waiver include:

• Respite care
• Occupation, Physical, and Speech therapies
  
• Psychological therapy and mental health services
  
• Family and caregiver training
• ABA therapy
• Transportation
• And so much more!

How do I apply?

Children with disabilities who have been diagnosed as having an intellectual disability (and whom meet the “level of care” requirements) prior to the age of 22 qualify for the Family Supports Waiver. An application for Medicaid Waiver services can be made online at BDDS Gateway.