Our Services
Early Development Network
Do you have concerns about a child's development?
- How can the Early Development Network help?
- How do I find out if a child is eligible?
- What happens next?
- Track Developmental Milestones.
- Why is a Services Coordinator important?
- What is a Services Coordinator?
- What services are provided?
- What happens after a child turns three?
- How can familes request services?
- Contact Saint Francis Medical Center Services Coordinators.
How can the Early Development Network help?
The Early Development Network provides services and supports that are designed based on the needs of children birth to age three and their families with the belief that parents know what is best for their families. These services are designed to act on what families think is important for their child and family. The Network is staffed by friendly, supportive people who listen to and respect families. The Network also can connect families with other families who have had similar experiences.
The goal of the Early Development Network is to provide coordinated services for Nebraska families as conveniently as possible. The program helps families to understand their child's disability and provides assistance in dealing with situations that interfere with the child's development. Families may choose a particular service or all services. Families also may refuse services at any time.
How do I find out if a child is eligible?
The Early Development Network serves children from birth to age three and their families. A child is eligible for Early Development Network services if he or she is not developing typically, or has been diagnosed with a health condition that will affect his or her development.
Identifying such delays or disabilities usually involves both the family and a team of professionals.
What happens next?
After receiving the family's permission, a referral may be made by anyone concerned about the child's development (e.g. a family member, child care provider, physician, social worker or other service provider). The call will go to a Services Coordinator, who will contact the family within seven days to determine if they are interested in Early Development Network services.
With the family's permission, the Services Coordinator will arrange for an assessment with the local school district to determine the unique needs of the child and his or her eligibility. The Services Coordinator can link the family with community resources before the assessment, if needed. If the child qualifies, the Services Coordinator will identify others who can participate on a team to help the family develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which sets goals for the child and family and identifies activities and services needed to achieve those goals. The IFSP will be completed within 45 days, so the family can access Early Development Network services as quickly as possible.
Why is a Services Coordinator important?
Children who are eligible often need many different services, the Services Coordinator is instrumental in working with the agencies that provide these services to make sure the child and family get the help they need. The Services Coordinator also informs families about services available in the community, makes sure services are delivered smoothly and properly and informs families about advocacy and support groups.
Families are entitled to help from a Services Coordinator up to the time of the assessment, and after the assessment if the child is verified as eligible. The family also may choose not to use the help of a Services Coordinator. In that case, the child's services will be coordinated by the family and the local school district.
What services are provided?
The Early Development Network provides family-centered services, based on the special needs of each child and family. Services that may be provided to chidren and families include, but aren't limited to:
- services coordination
- special instruction
- speech/language therapy
- physicaly therapy
- occupational therapy
- psychological services
- assistive technology devices and services
- audiology
- vision services
Other services may be provided based on the needs and eligibility of the child and family.
What happens after a child turns three?
Families may remain in the Early Development Network system until August 31st after their child's third birthday if they choose. After that time, educational services are provided by the school district based on needs identified in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). If a child/family still needs other types of services, the Services Coordinator can connect the family with other programs of the Health and Human Services System and other community agencies before the family leaves the Early Development Network system.
How can familes request services?
To request Early Development Services for your child or to refer a child in your area, call 308-398-6567. With prior parental permission, referrals may be made by anyone who suspects a developmental delay in an infant or toddler.
Saint Francis Medical Center Services Coordinators.
- Sue Hamilton, 308-398-5525
- Judy Weinrich, 308-398-5425
- Kim Fogle, 308-398-3208