Alabama's Early Intervention System (EI)

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Early Intervention provides supports and services for infants and toddlers under the age of three who have a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development, which can prevent the child from meeting developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and caregivers ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities.

Alabama's Early Intervention System receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education and Alabama's Education Trust Fund and is governed by the following legislation:

Every program involved in Alabama’s Early Intervention System receives annual technical assistance and is monitored regularly. If you have any questions about this process, you may contact EI State Office.

FAQs


Who is eligible for EI services?

Infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who either have a diagnosed physical or mental condition which has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay or are experiencing a developmental delay in one or more of the following areas:

  • Cognitive development
  • Physical development, including vision and hearing
  • Communication development
  • Social or emotional development
  • Adaptive development skills

Eligibility is determined after your family is assigned a service coordinator and they complete an evaluation with your child, which can be done at home or at day care or another appropriate setting.

How do I know if my child needs to be evaluated and referred to EI services?

While each child develops at his or her own pace, EI has a check list that parents and caregivers can compare their child’s activities with the time when most children usually start the activity. If your child seems to be behind in doing several activities at the appropriate milestones, discuss it with your child’s doctor and ask to be referred to EI.

Download the Milestones Check List here.

What is an Individualized Family Service Plan? (IFSP)

An IFSP is a document that is developed with the parents that outlines the desired outcomes or goals for the child and the supports and services that are necessary to assist the child and family in meeting these outcomes. This IFSP tells the family the frequency and intensity of the supports.

Service and supports provided under EI are designed to assist the child and family achieve the IFSP outcomes. It’s important to understand that our services do NOT replace services that medical, even if they are similar. Also, you may need to seek other services to meet all of the needs of your child in addition to EI services. EI providers are all required to meet the approved ICC Personnel Standards. (link to download ICC Standards)

Click here to view the IFSP form.

What is Transition Planning?

EI is required to assist eligible families in the process of transitioning their 3-year-old from EI services and supports into a school setting and informing families about potential placement options for their children. The process usually begins with the family and service coordinator developing a plan together. The service coordinator will then schedule a meeting for the family to discuss details of public pre-school services with the local school. The child’s placement is ultimately the family’s decision and they are never required to accept.

A written Transition Plan should include goals and activities that will support families and a discussion about local placement options and what transition will mean to a particular family.

A written Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for transitioning should include the discussion of:

  • Personal meaning of transition to family
  • Available community placements for 3-year-olds
  • Parent preference for placement
  • Steps to help make a smooth transition

Click here to find out more about Opting Out of LEA Notification Policy.

How do I get EI services for my child or a child in my care?

  • Call our toll-free Child Find number: 1-800-543-3098
  • Contact an ADRS office near you.

 Locations

ADRS State Office
602 S. Lawrence St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
P: (334) 293-7500
TFN: 1-800-543-3098
FAX: (334) 293-7383

EI Office Locations

800.543.3098

Americans with Disabilities Act


ADA Hotline

1-800-205-9986

1-888-574-2257 (TTY)

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Resources


Policies and Procedures

Procedural Safeguard Forms

System of Payment Forms


Individualized Family Service Plan Formats

Transition

Other Documents


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Information for Families and Other Stakeholders


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