Frequently Asked Questions About BabyNet

What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention Services help infants and toddlers who have delays in growing, developing and learning.
Early Intervention Services may include therapies, assistive aids and devices, speech/hearing/vision  services, service coordination and family training. 

Why is Early Intervention Important?
Research, as well as our own experiences, tells us that the first three years of a child's life are  the most critical time of learning. When problems or needs are identified early, they can be  lessened or corrected.

Who is Eligible?
Infants and toddlers from birth to three years may be eligible for BabyNet services if they are developing more slowly in any of the following ways:

• Learning to walk
• Height & weight
• Learning how to think
•  Learning to listen & talk
• Getting along with others
• Doing things on their own

All children who meet the eligibility criteria will be served regardless of family income. 

Who is Involved?
BabyNet consists of parents and professionals working together. There are many agencies and organizations involved in the BabyNet program.  These include:

• First Steps to School Readiness
• Early Head Start
• Head Start
• Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
• Department of Health and Environmental Control
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of Insurance
• Department of Mental Health
• Department of Social Services
• The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind

What are Early Intervention Services?

• Hearing Services..... example: fitting a hearing device.
• Vision Services......example: prescribing glasses.
• Speech Services...... example: finding out why a child does not talk.
• Nursing Services........ example: tube feeding or bandage changing.
• Health Services......example: giving prescribed shots at home.
• Nutrition Services..... example: special diets.
• Family Training ......example: teaching how to hold a child.
• Physical Therapy.....example: working to improve a child's movement.
• Evaluations........example: checking for a hearing loss.
• Occupational Therapy...... example: teaching a child to use a spoon.
• Support Groups...... example: parents getting together.
• Social Work Services .......example: family counseling.
• Transportation .......example: arranging taxi for doctor's appointment.
• Special Instruction....... example: teaching sign language to a mother.
• Psychological Services........ example: information about child behavior.
• Service Coordination (case management)... example: making a plan  (IFSP) to pull services together for the family.

 Where can I find other parents to talk to and get information?
Family Connection is a statewide organization of parents helping parents of children with disabilities, developmental delays, and chronic illnesses. Some of these children have Down syndrome, seizure disorders, cerebral palsy, and heart disease, but help is not limited only to these groups. Family Connection establishes parent networks wherever there is a need.

The group was started in 1990, and has grown to include hundreds of parents, grandparents, and siblings who provide emotional support and understanding to each other.
Family Connection of South Carolina, Inc.

Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization which provides information and training about education to families of children with all types of disabilities.  PRO-Parents believes parents can be the best advocates for their children. Experienced advisors assist parents to become more aware of their rights and responsibilities through telephone counseling, workshops and written material. With confidence and knowledge, parents can then participate as equal partners with professionals on behalf of their children.

PRO-Parents also serves professionals in education and related fields throughout South Carolina. Funding is through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS); along with other grants, contracts, and tax deductible contributions.
http://www.proparents.org/index.html

What do all the Initials stand for anyway?

ADA -  Americans with Disabilities Act ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act

CRS  - Children’s Rehabilitative Services - Children’s Rehabilitative Services

CSHCN - Child with Special Health Care Needs

CSPD  - Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

DHEC - Department of Health and Environmental Control

DMH - Department of Mental Health

DOE - Department of Education

DDSN - Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

DSS - Department of Social Services

EI  - Early Intervention/Early Interventionist

EPSDT  - Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

FAPE  - Free Appropriate Public Education

FERPA  - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

HHSFC  - Department of Health and Human Services Finance Commission

I & R  - Information and Referral

ICC     - Interagency Coordinating Council

IDEA  - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP  - Individualized Education Program

IFSP  - Individualized Family Service Plan

MCH  - Maternal and Child Health

P & A - Protection and Advocacy

PL  - Public Law

PAC  -   Parent Advisory Council

PTI  - Parent Training and Information Centers

RFP - Request for Proposals

SCECA  - South Carolina Early Child Association

SCSDB - South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind

SCSIS - South Carolina Services Information System

SSA  - Social Security Administration

SSI  - Social Security Administration

TA  - Technical Assistance

TECS - Team for Early Childhood Solutions

TDD/TTY - Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Teletype

UCEDD - University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities