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Family Centered Early Supports and Services: A Guide for Families

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for ESS services?
While ESS services are voluntary and confidential, you will be asked to provide access to your private and/or public (Medicaid) insurance. It is important that you understand that billing insurance helps fund ESS services. Families are not responsible for payment of ESS services and no family is turned away due to an inability to pay. You are not required to give access to your private insurance, however it is important to give access to your Medicaid insurance and update it as needed.
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A network of people who understand and have a passion for helping children...

I am a Volunteer Advocate with The Parent Information Center.  My son entered the 1st grade in our town and about 4 months into school there began to be problems.  I knew nothing about educational disabilities or IEP‘s.


It wasn’t long until someone said to me, here is a business card of an Educational Advocate, they are volunteers trained to help guide you or help you with understanding the school.

So in the fall of 1999 I took the training (VA) and attended workshops and began to build a network of people who understood and had the same passion for helping children.  I have used my training to assist my two children and many children and families over the past 7+ years.

My Children are now 16 & 10 and both have enjoyed the successes of school because I knew how to help them. 

Both my boys have friends and are doing very well and it is because I was taught to know better!  Thank you Parent Information Center! 

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What is Early Intervention/Early Supports and Services?

Family Centered Early Supports and Services (ESS) is NH’s early intervention system. Early Intervention is a nationwide program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). Currently all 50 states participate. ESS is NH’s Part C Program. ESS serves children birth to age 3 that have a developmental delay, an established condition or are at substantial risk for a developmental delay.   ESS is delivered throughout the state through the Area Agency system, administered by the Bureau of Developmental Services of the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

The goal of ESS is to support families in helping their children grow and develop, including helping you achieve your own family goals. ESS services are  provided in a child’s natural environment (typically the home or child care setting) by qualified professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and early childhood developmental specialists. The activities your child does and/or enjoys everyday are used to help your child learn. Having fun and building relationships through play is an important part of the services and support that ESS provides.

Who is eligible for Early Suports and Services?

How does the process start?