Early Intervention Tracking

Early Intervention services also include tracking at risk children. Tracking is a systematic process to monitor the development of at-risk children to determine whether they have become eligible for early intervention services under this chapter.

A child identified as an at-risk child through the initial MDE is eligible for tracking. In addition, if a child is referred for an MDE to determine whether the child is an at-risk child and the family declines the evaluation, with parental consent the child may be deemed eligible for tracking. Tracking services are generally provided for children who are at risk for developing a delay.

The following criteria are used when determining a child eligible for tracking services (notwithstanding a 25% delay):

• Birth weight below 1500 grams or less than 3 1/2 pounds
• Cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a hospital
• Affected by illegal substance abuse or prenatal drug exposure
• Seriously neglected or abused
• Confirmed dangerous levels of lead
• Experiencing Homelessness

In certain circumstances Wayne County may choose to qualify certain other at risk children IE: Informed Clinical Opinion that circumstances or risk factors puts a child at risk for developing a developmental delay which may include: seizure disorder, parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities, diagnosis of a medical condition, etc.

Services Available to Children

Children identified for tracking services are eligible for the following:

• Ongoing assessment through the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires completed by the child’s family at periodic intervals. These can be distributed by mail or done in person or on the phone with the Service Coordinator. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires help the EI program monitor the child’s progress and maintain contact with families. Families may request another independent evaluation at any time.
• Children are eligible to continue to receive Service Coordination through the county program either through phone, mail, e-mail, or face-to-face contact where the Service Coordinator will assist the parents in completing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire or review their child’s development. The Service Coordinator will complete a Service Coordination Plan that will be reviewed with the family during the contact that will occur at least once every three months.

About the Tracking Process

Tracking is a process to follow or “track” a child who may be at risk for developing a delay for one of the above reasons. Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention currently uses the ASQ-Ages and Stages Questionnaires. The questionnaires are designed to be sent at various ages and answered by parents. They give parents activities to try with their children. A Tracking Service Coordination Plan is completed whereby parents choose their preferred method of participation in the program. The parent can choose to participate by phone, via mail, e-mail or in person contact with the service coordinator. Upon completion of the ASQ, it is scored and a record of the contact and results are kept within the child’s tracking record. Contact is made and questionnaires are completed at the following ages: