Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the referral have to be submitted by my child’s pediatrician?
   No, referrals can be submitted from a variety of sources, including but not limited to: parents, daycare programs, local school districts, early intervention programs, primary health care providers, public health facilities, and hospitals.

2. Does my child automatically receive services based on the referral?
   No, all children undergo a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility. Evaluators trained and experienced in early child development of your specific area of concern will conduct comprehensive assessments. Parents participation is a key component of that process.

3. What happens if my child is not eligible for services?
   Your Initial Service Coordinator (case manager) will offer you options, including but not limited to: community resources; Developmental Monitoring Unit for continued surveillance; a request for a re-evaluation or the exercise of your due process rights.

4. If my child is eligible for services where do the services take place?
   Services for children birth to three generally take place in what is considered their most “natural environment” and where typically developing children are found, including but not limited to: home, daycare centers, libraries, playgrounds, other community centers and early childhood centers.

5. What if my insurance will not cover all the costs of the services?
   There are no out of pocket costs to the family regardless of how much or how little your insurance covers for the costs of the authorized services.

6. How do I know the service providers are qualified to work with my child?
   All service providers are required to undergo a thorough and exhaustive pre-employment screening process, including but not limited to: an in-person interview to assess knowledge of early child development, competence in their specific discipline as well as experience in working with children birth to three; screenings through the State Central Registry Clearance for Child Abuse, Justice Center Staff Exclusion List, and Office of Medicaid Inspector General Exclusion List; professional reference checks; verification of current license/certification in their discipline; and medical health assessments.