Early Intervention

We offer an Early Intervention(EI) Program for children aged 0 to 3. The purpose of the E.I. Program is to support parents and caregivers in promoting the development of infants and toddlers with developmental challenges. The foundation of E.I. is the collaboration between families and professionals.

E.I. is designed to serve eligible children from birth to three years old, and their families. Children who are younger than three years old, are experiencing developmental delays, have certain diagnosed conditions, or whose circumstances may result in significant developmental problems are eligible for E.I.

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. The first steps in a child’s involvement with EI is a phone screening, followed by an intake meeting. Next begins the assessment process, in which various evaluations take place to determine if the child’s needs meet eligibility requirements. The assessment would look at pre-established physical conditions, developmental delays, or risk factors that are associated with developmental delays in determining eligibility.

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.

E.I. services include home visits to address goals included in the IFSP. Strategies to promote next developmental steps 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 some nutritional, nursing and family support are provided as specified in the IFSP. 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 Rhode Island Department of Health funds the E.I. programs throughout the state but, as appropriate, families’ private health insurance may also pay for some of the services offered in the EI program. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for families.

The EI Transition process begins at the age of 28 months. At this time, EI representatives, with parents' permission, notify the family’s local school district to make the district aware of the needs of the child and to plan for the testing required by the school district to determine special education eligibility within the school system.

Families may choose whichever EI program they wish to work with in the state of Rhode Island. The Trudeau Memorial Center offers EI services out of two offices, one at 140 Pt. Judith Rd. Narragansett, RI and one at 250 Commonwealth Avenue in Warwick, RI.

For further information about the EI program offered, please contact the Director of E.I. at 401-823-1731 ext 361. To contact the EI Parent Consultant, please call 401-823-1731 ext 373. for the Warwick office or 401-783-6853 for the South County office.