Close

Infant Child Development

For more than 46 years, the Infant Child Development Program has served children from Ellsworth, Ottawa and Saline counties. These children, ages birth to 3 years, have developmental delays and disabilities.

Patient Portal

Getting Started

Getting connected with Early Intervention (EI) services can happen in a variety of ways. Some families learn about their child’s special needs at or even before birth. These families could be referred by the hospital’s special care nursery or their primary care physician. For other families, the connection may occur later during a well-child visit. Referrals are also common from area agencies, relatives and friends.

The connection to Early Intervention (EI) services may look different for each family. The supports provided for families are guided by the needs of the individual child and family.

Research shows that early intervention makes a difference. For many children who experience developmental delays or disabilities, early intervention may decrease the need for services and supports later in life. Many children “graduate” from Infant Child Development and no longer need services. Early intervention (EI) services are available to guide and support families as their child experiences a developmental delay or disability.

Early Intervention Services

Infant Child Development (ICD) is an early intervention program providing services to children ages birth to three who live in Saline, Ottawa and Ellsworth counties. Infants who are born at risk may also receive developmental monitoring services. Children and their families receive early intervention services in their natural settings such as home, childcare, or other places in the community.

Services May Include:

  • Developmental evaluations and assessments
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Special Instruction (Early Childhood Special Education)
  • Health and nutrition services
  • Diagnostic/Medical evaluations
  • Nursing services
  • Assistive Technology
  • Family service coordination/Social work services
  • Transportation
  • Vision evaluations and follow up
  • Hearing testing

Evaluations

Once a referral is made, a Family Service Coordinator, FSC will contact the family to explain ICD services and help the family get started. They will ask the family questions about the child’s development, health and any medical concerns.

What to Expect

An evaluation team is put together based on the information the FSC gathers after visiting with the family. The evaluation team could consist of several therapists and an early childhood special education teacher. Together they learn about all aspects of the child’s developmental skills through play and parent report.

The evaluation is one of the ways ICD determines if a child is eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services, as well as identify the child’s strengths.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

The IFSP is a plan that is written once it is determined that a child is eligible for early intervention services. It summarizes the child’s developmental skills, the early intervention services the child will be receiving and the goals or hopes the family has for their child as they participate with Infant Child Development. The FSC will contact the family to write the IFSP so that Early Intervention (EI) services can start.

Transition

Children transition out of Early Intervention (EI) services when they turn three years old or if they no longer have delays in their development. The Family Service Coordinator will help parents learn about other resources and supports available in their community during this transition process.

Cost

If parent(s) provide approval, Infant Child Development can bill to private insurance for reimbursement. All ICD services that are not covered by insurance, HealthWave or Medicaid are provided at no cost to the family.

Infant Child Development is a voluntary program that parents can choose to participate in. Services can change or parents can withdraw at any time.

Specialty Clinics

Hearing clinics appointments are available weekly with Audiologist Lindsey Petras, Au.D., Audiologists with Salina Regional Health Center ENT & Audiology.

Vision clinics are held every month with ophthalmologist Linda Lawrence, MM and optometrist Dr. Katy Ebert, OD to determine visual impairment for this population and provide appropriate interventions.

Learn more

Infant Child Development Program
155 North Oakdale, Suite 300
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 452-6050

Helpful Links

Free Early Childhood Community Screenings (English)
Developmental Milestones