What is Early Intervention?
While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Research shows that children benefit most from intervention in the early years. If a developmental delay is suspected, our Early Intervention (EI) staff works with children and their families to identify areas of need and provide the required services.
While most Trudeau EI services are home-based, they may also include visits with other caregivers, child care providers, in the community, or at Trudeau’s Early Intervention center in Warwick.
Trudeau’s EI program is administered by the Rhode Island Executive Offices of Health and Human Services. There is no out-of-pocket cost for Rhode Island residents who qualify for EI services.
The Coaching Model
Trudeau’s EI providers embrace the philosophy of “coaching,” an evidence-based treatment model. Young children learn by participating in the daily routines of the family (mealtime, playtime, etc.). Our providers work alongside the parents and caregivers to support and guide them, discuss and demonstrate strategies, review progress, and plan for what they can work on between visits.
School Transition
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 eligibility within the school system.
Our Early Intervention Team
The Trudeau Center’s professional staff members work closely with families to identify their concerns and prioritize meaningful goals. Our focus is to provide individualized instruction and guidance to families to ensure that learning continues between visits.
Staff members include:
- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
- Educators
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Behavioral Health Specialists
- Nutritionists
- Service Coordinators
- Parent Consultants
Who We Service
EI services are available to children and families residing in: Charlestown, Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Smithfield, Warwick, West Warwick, Westerly, and West Greenwich.
Referrals and Eligibility
A parent may contact the Trudeau EI program to discuss receiving services for their child. A pediatrician, hospital employee, social worker, or others may also 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'd like to enroll my child in the Early Intervention Program. What is the first step?
The first step is a referral. 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.
Where are services delivered?
Many services take place in the child’s home, but may also occur at our EI center, child care center, or community setting. The frequency of services and delivery options will be written in the Individualized Family Service Plan.
How much does the Early Intervention program cost?
Services are at no cost to families. Rhode Island state law requires insurance carriers operating in Rhode Island to cover Early Intervention services.