§1432 Definitions

Summary

Defines the main words used here and explains who can get early help and what that help includes. At‑risk infant or toddler: a child under 3 years old who would likely have a big developmental delay without early help. Council: the State interagency coordinating council. Developmental delay: the meaning the State gives the term under section 1435(a)(1). Early intervention services: developmental supports overseen by public agencies, usually free (unless a State or Federal payment system with sliding fees applies). They target needs in any of five areas (cognitive, physical, communication, social or emotional, adaptive), follow State rules, and must be written into an individualized family service plan. These services include family training and home visits, special instruction, speech and hearing help, occupational and physical therapy, psychological and social work services, service coordination, medical evaluation, screening and early identification, health and vision services, assistive technology, and necessary transportation. They must be given by qualified staff (for example, special educators, speech‑language pathologists, therapists, psychologists, nurses, dietitians, vision specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, and physicians), and, whenever possible, in natural settings like the home or community. Infant or toddler with a disability: a child under 3 who either shows delays on tests in one or more of the five areas or has a diagnosed condition likely to cause delay. States may also include at‑risk infants and certain children eligible under section 1419 who previously received these services until they enter kindergarten or elementary school; programs for those children must add a school‑readiness educational component (pre‑literacy, language, and numeracy) and give parents written notice of their rights about continuing services or moving to preschool under section 1419.