Q. Do I need a referral from my Pediatrician?
A. No, not for the initial Intake appointment. Parents may self refer by calling us directly. If, after the Intake, you wish to proceed with the evaluation, Early Supports and Services (ESS) will ask you to sign a permission form asking your pediatrician to order the evaluation.

Q. If my child is eligible, where will services be provided?
A. The heart of ESS includes parent education. It is preferred that services are provided in the child's home, with parent/s present. This allows the parents to learn strategies to carry over therapy throughout the child's daily life. After every therapy visit progress notes, along with any suggested activities for the week, are written up and a copy is given to parents. In the rare instances that services must take place with a child care provider, therapists will be in contact with the parents to go over the progress notes and explain any suggested activities.

Q. How many therapists will be working with my child?
A. ESS services are provided with the transdisciplinary approach. This means that your child, if eligible for the program, will have one primary therapist who will work with your child in all areas of development. Your child's therapist will call in other therapists as consults as necessary to be sure all developmental needs of your child are met. Having one consistent therapist allows children to feel comfortable with their therapist and form a solid relationship. We believe this results in ESS services being provided in a seamless, efficient, and comfortable manner for the whole family.

Q. If ESS services are available from birth to age three, does that mean my child will automatically receive services until his/her third birthday?
A. Once eligibility for the program is determined, and an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) list of goals is written up, therapists check the progress on these goals at every visit. Once your child meets all the goals on the IFSP, he or she will no longer be eligible for Early Supports and Services. However, families are encouraged to call ESS at any time before their child turns three if other developmental concerns come up that may warrant further evaluation.