Frequently Asked Questions

So, who will be working with me and my child?
ESS providers are developmental specialist with many different professional backgrounds. ESS providers often work together providing each other strategies in one domain while providing therapy in another. Their approach is to work with you, the family, to address your child’s developmental needs. ESS providers are trained to support the whole child. All areas of the child’s development is important. An ESS provider uses play to build developmental skills.

What happens if my child is found eligible for ESS?

If your child is found eligible for ESS the team will schedule a meeting with you and your family to develop an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). IFSPs are developed by IFSP Teams. The IFSP Team includes you, the ESS Service Coordinator, other therapists/providers who will be providing services to your child and anyone else that you would like to be on the team. The IFSP must be developed and signed by you, the parent within 45 days from the date your child was referred to ESS. Because of the time requirements, some ESS programs complete the evaluation, determine eligibility and write the IFSP during the same visit. Other ESS programs complete the evaluation, and then schedule a visit for developing the IFSP. Either way, please feel free to ask questions, talk with each other and plan for your child. If you do not feel comfortable completing all these steps in one meeting, you can ask to schedule another meeting to write the IFSP. It is important to know that ESS cannot provide services without your written consent and services will not begin until you sign the IFSP.

Next Step – The Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP)