Your Child's Early Intervention Evaluation
Expect a lot of questions—you know your child best!
What can you expect at the evaluation?
- Once we arrive at your home either virtually or in a hybrid fashion we will review your parental rights.
- We will complete a vision and hearing risk assessment questionnaire. If in- person we will complete a hearing OAE.
- We will begin to observe your child playing with the materials you have collected. We will ask you questions along the way to try to capture the quality of how your child is able to complete a variety of tasks. If you need to give your child a snack or bottle or perform any other routine during this time, we can use that time to observe as well. So, that is just fine!
Using a standardized evaluation tool (either the DAYC-2 or the IDA-2) we can determine how your child is doing compared to other little ones his/her age.
We will evaluate in five areas of development:
We will evaluate in five areas of development:
- Adaptive - Self help skills and how your child responds to new stimulation in their environment.
- Cognitive - How your child explores, remembers, understands and plays.
- Communication - Both how your child understands and expresses language.
- Social Emotional - Relationships, self- regulation and expression of emotion.
- Physical - How your child moves using their large muscles and how they use their hands to reach and hold onto items.
In Colorado, your child needs a 33% delay in any one of the above areas of development or a 25% delay in two of the areas above to qualify for EI. We do consider prematurity as we form our clinical opinions as well.
We know this can be a vulnerable time sharing your concerns with us about your child. We are honored to be listening. Our goal is to best understand your child's strengths and areas of difficulty so we can determine eligibility but also recommend resources. All information you share is confidential and will only be provided to the EI Colorado program.
15 minutes before the session
Family Preparation for Evaluation
- Choose an optimal room that is comfortable for you and your child.
- Gather materials needed for the activity. Specific items will be recommended.
- Turn off TVs, radios or other distractions. Mute your phone as able.
- Make sure there isn't glare coming from uncovered windows/doors (if virtual.)
- Limit traffic in the room during the session.
- Does your child need a snack or a diaper change? Let your child know what activity is coming up as appropriate.
- Turn the computer or phone on. Make sure the camera and microphone are connected and working.
- Log off WIFI of other phones, tablets, TVs, etc. to improve bandwidth.
- Sometimes it is necessary to download the free Zoom app before you’re able to access the meeting via the link, especially when using a phone.
- Log onto the program being used for the session (Zoom, e.g.).
- Place the device in a location that allows optimal view.
- Have a cell phone handy with a team member's number to contact her if unable to connect, or if during the session you lose connection.
If your child moves to another area, follow the therapist's lead. Your child might need a short break. That's ok! If your child becomes interested in another activity in another room, then perhaps moving the camera/device will be appropriate.
The evaluation team will inform you if your child is eligible for early intervention and in what domains of development. You should share any questions or concerns about the evaluation with the team.
The team will share a few ideas or next steps to use right away.
resources
Discover local events and activities for families and kids of all ages.
Local Events & Happenings
Seasonal Newsletters
Revisit past newsletters for activity ideas, support and additional resources.
Find More on
the Blog
Explore the blog for miscellaneous ideas, topics and additional support from Michelle.
