Mower County Interagency Early Intervention Committee (IEIC) consists of representatives from local health, education, county human services, supporting resource services and parents of young children with special needs. The purpose of the IEIC is to identify current services, to develop and evaluate referral systems and to implement interagency Individual Family Service Plans for children identified as having special needs. Through these coordinated efforts, comprehensive services can be provided to meet the needs of all children birth through age six who have special needs or who are at risk. These collaborative efforts also include the needs of the families of children identified.

The Early Childhood Special Education program in your local school district serves children birth through six who have special needs. Early identification and appropriate services can make a difference for these young children and their families. A partnership with parents and other service providers is considered an essential part of early intervention. Help may be available in one or a combination of several services. These services are free of charge to families.

• Screening and complete assessment
• An educational program that is home based (children birth to three years of age)
• A classroom program (children between three through five years of age)
• Parent training / parent support
• Coordination of services as needed – speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, additional resource services
• Transition services to move from early childhood to the kindergarten setting Who should be referred to the IEIC for assessment?
• A child who is not developing at the same rate as other children of the same age
• A child who appears to have difficulty hearing or seeing
• A child with a medically diagnosed handicapping condition such as Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, Spina Bifida, etc.
• A child who is not talking or having difficulty with speech
• A child with excessive or unusual behaviors and / or social skills

If there are concerns about a child’s development in any of the above areas, complete a referral or call for help and advice. Please do not wait – early intervention is available.