Early Intervention

Early Intervention – The Basics

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Early intervention (also known as Family-Centered Early Supports and Services or FCESS) provides comprehensive evaluations and services for infants and young children with developmental disabilities, including autism. Early intervention services take place in a child’s home or other location where the child spends time so that the child and their caregivers can better actively participate. Services and supports can include service coordination as well as:

• Vision and hearing services
• Speech, physical, and occupational therapy services
• Nutrition counseling & assessment
• Assistive technology/Equipment (evaluation, acquisition, & training)
• Transportation & mileage reimbursement when appropriate to receive services

Although insurance may be charged, early intervention services are provided free of charge to the child and family. See NH Department of Health and Human Services Zero-to-Three for more information including a comprehensive list of supports and services.

Learn More: Parent Information Center’s Family Guide to Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS)

How to Access Supports & Services Through Early Intervention

Early Intervention supports and services are provided through NH’s Area Agency system. There are ten area agencies throughout the state and you can find the nearest one to you at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bds/agencies.htm.

Anyone can refer a child to an area agency for an evaluation. Oftentimes a child will be referred by a parent or primary caregiver or a medical provider. Once the referral has been made, area agency staff have 45 days to complete an evaluation, determine eligibility, and create an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) if your child is eligible for services.

Transitioning Out of Early Intervention/FCESS

Once a child turns 3, they are no longer eligible for early intervention. At the age of 3, a child may be eligible for other community-based services such as outpatient therapy, continued area agency support, and/or special education services from their community preschool program. Not all children who receive early intervention services qualify for preschool special education or area agency services – each program has its own eligibility criteria. As part of the transition planning process, your Service Coordinator will discuss the child’s options with you and help you to review and plan for the child’s transition out of early intervention. This transition plan should be included in the Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). Transition planning should begin when the child turns 27 months, or earlier if they are found to no longer be eligible for early intervention.

Learn More:

• Transition from Family-Centered Early Supports and Services: A Guide for Families and Staff (Blue Book)

• Overview of the Early Childhood Transition Process