Society's future lies in the strength and potential of its children. In order to support children and their families, it is imperative that children are supported to reach their maximum potential during their developmental years. Of the 22,000 children born in Philadelphia each year, 3% will have some form of developmental delay related to a diagnosed condition. Conservative estimates indicate that an additional 12% of these newborns will have delays because of risk factors such as poverty, housing instability, parental/caregiver substance abuse and violence in the home. A more telling indicator of delay is the crisis reported by the Philadelphia School District that as many as 50% of these children will fail first grade when they enter school. This presentation desribes the early intervention service coordination program in Philadelphia that has served over 15,000 children and their families. Data and issues discussed highlight challenges and successes in the evolving role of the service coordinator, the role of the family and natural environments, the impact of welfare reform and managed care on early intervention and the impact of legal requirements under IDEA.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presenation participants will be able to: 1. desribe and understand the services and supports available to young children with developmental delays and disabilities 2. understand the complex and evolving role of the service coordinator in facilitating and monitoring a coordintated service plan for children with disabilities and their families 3. understand the role of the family and the use of natural environments when working with young children 4. relate the importance of early intervention to young children failing first grade when they enter school 5. connect the implementation of welfare reform on parenting and the impact on young children 6. understand the impact of managed care on services to young children 7. understand the impact of the law and rights of parents to services provided under IDEA and Pennsylvania legislation
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: ChildLink, Philadelphia Health Managment Corporation and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.