Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my child does not qualify for ESS?
In the event that your child does not meet the state eligibility criteria for ESS, you will be provided with written notice explaining the findings of the evaluations and the recommendations of the team. This notice will also include other supports and services that may support your child and family’s needs, as well as the names and contact information for them. ESS will also inform you that you have the right to challenge the determination of eligibility and the steps to do so.

The Parent Information Center on Special Education can help you if you are concerned that your child was not found eligible for ESS. Please contact us for information
What can I expect from my Service Coordinator?
The Service Coordinator is the person on your ESS team that will help you identify available resources based on the needs of your family. This person coordinates the therapies and services your child and family will receive. They will guide you through the process and are your “go to person” when you have questions or concerns.

Determining Eligibility for Early Supports & Services

A child and family living in New Hampshire may be eligible for ESS if their child is experiencing developmental delays or atypical behaviors, has a diagnosed or established condition that has a high probability of resulting in a delay, or is at risk for substantial developmental delays if early supports and services are not provided. There are no income guidelines for ESS. The following are the eligibility categories for ESS:

· Established Condition - a physical or mental condition with a high likelihood of resulting in a developmental delay (even when there is no delay at the time of referral to ESS). Examples include, but are not limited to: autism, lead poisoning, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, severe toxic exposure, spina bifida, blindness, hearing impairments and Down Syndrome.

· Developmental Delay - a 33% delay in one or more of the following areas:

Physical Development - This includes movement, balance, fine and gross motor skills, and sensory development such as seeing and hearing.

  • Cognitive Development- This includes skills pertaining to learning and thinking.
  • Communication Development – This includes your child’s skills in understanding the spoken word and ability to express themselves verbally.
  • Social or Emotional Development - This refers to your child’s ability to make and maintain relationships.
  • Adaptive Development - This refers to the skills used for daily living, such as dressing, eating, toileting and washing.

· Atypical Behaviors - behaviors documented by the family or others (including the evaluation team) that are outside the parameters of typical child development.  Examples include:

  • Extreme fearfulness or other modes of distress that do not respond to comforting by caregivers;
  • Self–injurious behavior or extremely aggressive behavior;
  • Extreme apathy; and
  • Unusual and persistent patterns of inconsolable crying, chronic sleep disorder, regression in functioning, absence of pleasure, disinterest in adults and peers and inability to communicate emotional needs.

· At Risk for Substantial Developmental Delay - experiencing 5 or more of the following factors. These factors could affect your child or you (the parent) or a combination of your child and/or you.
Documented conditions, events, or circumstances affecting the child including:

  • Birth weight less than 4lbs
  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Gestational age less than 27 weeks or more than 44 weeks
  • Asphyxia (loss of oxygen at birth)
  • Infection
  • History of abuse and neglect
  • Prenatal drug exposure due to mother’s substance abuse or withdrawal
  • Prenatal alcohol exposure due to mother’s substance abuse or withdrawal
  • Nutritional problems that interfere with growth and development
  • Inter-cranial hemorrhage grade III or grade IV
  • Homelessness

Documented conditions, events, or circumstances affecting the family including:

  • Developmental disability
  • Psychiatric disorder
  • Family history of lack of stable housing
  • Education less than the 10th grade
  • Social isolation
  • Substance addiction
  • Age of either parent is less than 18 years
  • Parent/child interactional disturbances (example: failure to bond by parent or child)
  • Founded child abuse or neglect

 

How does the process start?

What happens if my child is determined eligible for ESS?

 

Next Step - Developing the IFSP