Parent Contact update

August 2023

Fall Training Opportunities

You may have noticed that things quiet down a little here during the summer months. We know that many families get extra busy during this time, and so we schedule less trainings. That doesn't mean we aren't hard at work getting things all lined up for the fall! Check out some great opportunities for families below.

These trainings are being held virtually and free of charge. Please help us spread the word!

Friday, September 22 from 1:00-3:00 pm Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention & Autism Waiver Resources. This training is presented by the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health and will help families understand the requirements for accessing and maintaining Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) services and provide valuable information about the Autism Waiver Program. Register here to attend.

Friday, October 13 from 1:00-3:00 pm

Understanding SSI & Public Benefits

It can feel confusing and overwhelming trying to navigate and understand supplemental security income (SSI) and other public benefits. Our colleague from the Department of Public Health will join us to help simplify the process and learn about benefits that may be available to your family and how to access them! Register Here to attend this training.

Resources & Opportunities

Turning Three Essentials

It happens to every family in early intervention - your child will transition out of EI. For some families this is an exciting next step, and for others it can be an overwhelming process. The EIPLP is excited to continue our partnership with the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) and offer Turning Three Essentials to families that have begun thinking about transitioning from EI.

This free virtual workshop includes the differences between EI & special education, special education eligibility, the evaluation process, timelines, preparing for meeting with the IEP team, and so much more. We've heard time and time again from families that this training really helped them better understand the process and what to expect.

Join us at one of the upcoming dates in September, being offered in English and Spanish. Registration is required to get the link- use the buttons below to register.

If you know families who are getting ready to take their next step after EI, please share the registration link with them!

Friday, September 8th from 1-3 pm in ENGLISH

Thursday, September 14th from 1-3 in SPANISH

What are Children and Family Outcomes and why do we measure them?

The Department of Public Health oversees and regulates Early Intervention services in Massachusetts. They are required to measure and report on a set of Outcomes identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These Outcomes are designed to measure how well Early Intervention services work for children and families. Massachusetts reports this information in the Annual Performance Report to the federal Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

Federal Outcomes for Children:

• Children have positive social relationships.

• Children acquire and use knowledge and skills.

• Children take appropriate actions to meet their needs.

Information about Child Outcomes comes from formal assessments, observations of children busy with everyday activities and from talking to you and other caregivers and professionals involved with your child and family.

Federal Outcomes for Families: Participation in EI helps them:

• Effectively communicate their children's needs.

• Help their children learn and develop.

• Know their rights.

Family Outcomes come from the NCSEAM (National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring) Family Survey completed by families once a year. This information helps the EI system know if we are making a positive difference for children and families and how we can improve services.

CALL TO ACTION:

Take the Community Health Equity Survey

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is committed to better serving communities that experience barriers to health.

The Community Health Equity Survey was developed in collaboration with community members and partners across the state and reflects the priorities and experiences of Massachusetts residents. The information you share will help DPH and community partners determine how best to allocate funding, improve programming, and develop policies to address health inequities.

DPH specifically seeks to hear from communities who have been impacted by health inequities.

You can take the survey online with a computer, phone or tablet.
It will take around 15-30 minutes to complete.
You can choose to complete the survey in Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese (simplified or traditional), English, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can also take the survey in American Sign Language later this summer.
All survey responses are anonymous and cannot be traced back to you.

You can access the survey here.