New Jersey Early Intervention Service Coordination
The mission of the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) is to enhance the capacity of families to meet the developmental and health-related needs of children birth to age three who have delays or disabilities by providing quality services and support to families and their children. Families from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds will be involved in decision making at every level of the design, implementation and evaluation of the Early Intervention System.
Evaluation and assessments are provided at no cost and will determine if a child is eligible for the Early Intervention Program.
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If a child is eligible to receive Early Intervention, families are assigned an ongoing Service Coordinator. The Service Coordinator helps the family prioritize their concerns within their routines, explore resources and community supports and discuss and determine potential costs for services.
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An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to document the services, goals and strategies that are agreed upon by the team: the parent, evaluators and Service Coordinator.
Services are provided by qualified practitioners in the child’s natural environments such as the home, a community agency or a childcare setting.
The Early Intervention program will:
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Promote community partnerships and provide resources to families including service and healthcare providers, schools and childcare programs to provide ongoing support.
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Provide a family-centered approach which will be based on the specific family’s daily routines and activities, and concerns.
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Recognize and respect the knowledge, beliefs, aspirations, values, culture and preferences of families and utilize these for planning and delivery of support and services.
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Meet regularly with families and their practitioners to discuss and document progress, new developmental concerns and additional assessments to ensure Early Intervention is continually meeting the needs of the family.
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Assist families with the seamless transition out of Early Intervention when the child turns three and discuss program options for the child beyond Early Intervention.
To help families navigate the Early Intervention System, Service Coordinators are available in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties.
The Early Intervention System is a voluntary program, and a pediatrician referral is NOT required. To learn more about the program, visit the New Jersey Department of Health Early Intervention website at https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/.
To speak with an Early Intervention Service Coordinator about your child, schedule an evaluation or ask questions about eligibility, contact the Regional Early Intervention Collaborative at 1-888-653-4463. You can also visit their website: https://snjreic.org/.
