Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) is a statewide structure that provides multi-system coordinated services to parents of eligible children.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is the federal law that established EI programs across the country.

If your child has an autism diagnosis or if you have concerns that your child may have autism, a PLAY Project Consultant can work with your family to help improve communication and build meaningful relationships.

The PLAY Project is an evidenced-based early intervention autism program created to help parents and caregivers develop a better connection with their child through play and help the child improve his or her language, development, behavior and social skills.  ALL children lean best through play in the natural environment of the home. The secret is knowing how to engage the child in a playful way that promotes his or her development. The PLAY Project Consultant will help educate, guide and support families as they learn to nurture their child’s social and emotional development, but the parents and caregivers are considered to be the expert of their child. Parents and caregivers will learn how to apply the evidence-based PLAY Project principles, methods and techniques during visits while having FUN with their child.

If your family is interested in PLAY Project please contact your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Click here for the PLAY Project Referral Form.

To learn more, visit their website at PLAY Project.org, or find them on Facebook.

Rule 5123-10-01 (Early Intervention Services - Procedural Safeguards) sets forth procedural safeguards in the Early Intervention system, including the provisions of parental consent and notice; retention, confidentiality, access to, and amendment of records; and dispute resolution.

Rule 5123-10-02, Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C (Early Intervention Eligibility and Services) sets forth Early Intervention system requirements for eligibility, developmental screening, evaluation, assessment, individualized family service plan meetings and content, transition to preschool and other programs, service coordination, Early Intervention records, and exiting and transferring from the Early Intervention system.

Rule 5123-10-03 (Early Intervention Services - System of Payments) sets forth a system to pay for activities and expenses that are reasonable and necessary for implementing Ohio's Early Intervention system for eligible children and their families.

Rule 5123-10-04 (Early Intervention Services - Credentials for Early Intervention Service Coordinators and Early Intervention Service Coordination Supervisors) establishes minimum qualifications through credentialing standards for Early Intervention Service Coordinators and Early Intervention Service Coordination Supervisors. All persons working in these positions are required to hold the appropriate credential issued in accordance with the rule.

DODD Approved Tools List
This document lists the DODD-approved tools for developmental screening, developmental evaluation, and the family-directed assessment.

TALK TO ME

Sing, hum, babble, or even read the funnies to me! I don’t know what you're saying, but I need to hear you.   And I do know what you mean, even if I may not know the words.  Like your voice tones mean, “I love you”, or when you yell, I hear, “You're a pest!” Unless you communicate with me, how can I learn?  I learn from you.

HOLD ME

Everything is so big and new to me. I don't understand where I am.  Or who I am. And I get scared, but when you hold me, your heartbeat makes me feel I belong here. I belong to you.

ANSWER MY CRY

I don't cry to get you upset or get you mad. I cry because I can't tell you how I feel any other way. Maybe I'm cold...or wet...or hungry...or scared...or lonely. Answer my cries, you'll soon know what each one means.

YOU WON'T SPOIL ME!

You'll help me be a better baby and make you happier, too.

LOVE ME

Like me.  Love me just as I am. Don't expect me to do what I can't do, like being toilet-trained. My muscles aren't ready yet. I know I'm messy. But I'm growing. Overlook my baby weakness. You're the most important person in my world. I can't make it without you. So get to know me. Have fun with me, and love me...just as I am.