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) team will work with the child and his or her family to identify areas of need and provide services to address those needs so that the child can thrive.

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Our Approach

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.

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Services

Our focus is to provide individualized services for each child, as well as instruction and guidance to families to ensure that learning continues between visits. The Trudeau Center’s professional staff members work closely with families to identify their concerns and prioritize meaningful goals.

These professionals may include:

  • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
  • Educators
  • Nurses
  • Social Workers
  • Behavioral Health Specialists
  • Nutritionists
  • Service Coordinators
  • Parent Consultants

Our team will also help children to successfully transition into the pre-school environment. 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.

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Eligibility and Enrollment

EI services are available to children and families residing in:

  • Charlestown
  • Coventry
  • Cranston
  • East Greenwich
  • Exeter
  • Hopkinton
  • Johnston
  • Narragansett
  • North Kingstown
  • Richmond
  • South Kingstown
  • Warwick
  • West Warwick
  • West Greenwich

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.

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Service Locations and Cost

Early Intervention services take place in a child’s natural environment, including but not limited to their home, childcare center, or community setting. The frequency of services and delivery options will be written in the Individualized Family Service Plan.

Services are at no cost to families. Rhode Island state law requires insurance carriers operating in Rhode Island to cover Early Intervention services.

Meet the Early Intervention Program Leadership

Joseph Robitaille

Joseph Robitaille, CAGS, LBA, BCBA

Vice President of Children’s Services
jrobitaille@trudeaucenter.org

Jaqueline Ferriera

Jacqueline Ferreira

Director of Early Intervention
jferreira@trudeaucenter.org

Program Contact Information and Location

Mullen Building
Phone

(401) 823-1731

Address

Mullen Building
3445 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
Directions

Entrance

The entrance is located behind the Trudeau Center’s main building near the back parking lot.

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