A child may be referred to E.I. by several means. A parent may contact the EI program directly, or a pediatrician, a hospital, a social worker, or others may refer the child, with the consent of the family.

Once eligibility has been established, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is written in collaboration with the family to outline both the needs of the child and how they will be addressed. A service coordinator for the child and family will be assigned, according to the needs of the child.

Strategies to promote development are incorporated into the child's natural routines and environments. Caregivers are included in all visits to encourage carryover between visits. Specialized therapy services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy), as well as nutritional, nursing and family support are provided. Many services take place in the child’s home, but may also occur at the EI center, child care center, or community setting. Again, all services, their frequency and their delivery options will be written in the IFSP in collaboration with the family.

The EI Transition process begins at the age of 28 months. At this time, if necessary, EI representatives notify the family’s local school district to make the district aware of any needs the child might continue to have and to plan for the testing required by the school district to determine education eligibility within the school system.

Services are at no cost to families. Rhode Island state law does require commercial insurance carriers operating in Rhode Island to cover early intervention services. There can be no impact on premiums, annual or policy term caps.

The Trudeau Memorial Center offers EI services from our Warwick, RI site located at 250 Commonwealth Avenue and our new site located at 25 West Independence Way, Kingston, RI.

For further information about our program, please contact Ernie Van Deusen, Director, at 401-823-1731 ext. 361

or contact us