Being a child-find specialist for Help Me Grow Early Intervention, I get this question a lot. Many people ask how they know if their child would qualify for services. They inquire about how they would know if there was a concern, how to even identify it. These are all valid and good questions. My answer each time is that each child is different and hits certain development milestones at their own time. It’s when there is a significant delay that it is important to identify it and start working to correct it to the best of ones abilities. I took information straight from the website to best explain the program and give you a good idea of what Help Me Grow Early Intervention is.

“What is Ohio Early Intervention?

A statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays in Ohio.

Early Intervention is available in every part of the state and to any eligible child, regardless of the family’s income.

Providing Early Intervention services is critical to life-long success.

There is no “down side” to referring a child for Early Intervention services. Research shows that starting services early gives a child the best chance to learn and grow. Early support can reduce the need for services later in life. In fact, it is more cost effective to provide Early Intervention than to wait until the child is older.
Every child is unique, and services are designed based on a child’s specific needs. Children learn best through everyday experiences and routines in places they know, so services support families where they live, play and spend their day. Virtual options may also be available.  

How Early Intervention works for families?

• Once the family is assigned to an early intervention provider, that provider will walk the family through the eligibility process and determine the next steps.
• If a child is eligible for services, the family and service coordinator will develop a plan to support the family on their journey to help their child get their best possible start in life. 
• Parents and families are the center of a child’s development. That’s why service coordinators and other service providers work closely with the family to help build their skills and confidence in supporting their child and to help them navigate the journey with their child.”

Would like to make a referral for yourself or a family member/friend? Click on the link below:

https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/ochids/public/refer