As previously established, SLPs work across the lifespan. Sometimes, we can be found working with neonates, adolescents, young adults, or older adults. When working with younger people, especially those 21 and younger, we make referrals to other agencies, as indicated. Within a matter of days after a delay or disorder is suspected or confirmed, those ages 0 to 3 years, by law, are referred to a federally and state mandated service available nationwide known as Early Intervention (EI) or Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Upon receiving a referral, EI/ECI agencies are required to follow-up with the family of the child in need so that an evaluation can be scheduled and conducted. The evaluation is completed to determine whether services are indicated in one developmental area, several developmental areas, or none at all. Children evaluated by EI/ECI receive services through an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), typically until age three–sooner if the service is no longer indicated. As opposed to clinic-based services, EI/ECI services are provided in the child’s natural environment, e.g., home, early head start, daycare. Soon before the child reaches his or her third birthday, the EI/ECI agency helps to initiate contact with the local school district so that the local school district can determine eligibility for school-based services
Students ages three to twenty-one are often referred to their local school districts for completion of a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) that entails formal and/or informal assessment in a variety of areas. Upon receipt of the referral/request for testing, parents are contacted so that they can obtain more information about the evaluation process, why it is being pursued, and what to expect from the evaluation process. After the student is evaluated in all areas, each evaluating professional contributes information to help determine eligibility for services in one area or several areas of concern. Upon completion of testing and generation of all pertinent reports, an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting is held to determine the student’s eligibility for services. If the student is deemed eligible for special services then services are offered and included in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP, which includes goals in the area(s) of concern serves as the student’s individualized framework to help maximize his or her skills for academic success. Services are typically provided in the school setting until the services are no longer indicated (note: three and four year old children are not necessarily enrolled in school when evaluated; students who are of adult age are generally identified earlier in their academic careers, i.e., though there may be some exceptions, adult age students do not typically present with previously unidentified needs).
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. If you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention. DISCLAIMER: Eligibility criteria for EI/ECI services and school-based services differs from region-to-region and state-to-state. Please check with your local EI/ECI agencies and school districts to learn more about their eligibility criteria.
