What is Pernet's Early Intervention (EI)?Pernet Early Intervention is part of a statewide, integrated, developmental service available to families of children between birth and three years of age. Children may be eligible for EI if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if typical development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.
EI provides family-centered services that facilitate the developmental progress of eligible children. EI helps children acquire the skills they will need to continue to grow into happy and healthy members of the community. For more information please call Melissa Wenderoth at (508) 755-1228 or email her at mwenderoth@pernetfamilyhealth.org. Who is eligible for Pernet's Early Intervention?Any child up to three years of age and lives in the Worcester area may be eligible for EI. The child's family may be eligible for EI services if the child:
How can a child and family become involved with Pernet's Early Intervention?The process is simple. Anyone (a parent, doctor, care giver, teacher, or friend) can make a referral by calling Pernet Family Health Service's Early Intervention program. Services do not require a prescription. Referrals are made directly to Pernet's certified Early Intervention program.
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What happens after a referral is made to Pernet's EI?A Pernet Early Intervention team will conduct a developmental assessment with the child and family to determine eligibility. This assessment will focus on specific areas of child development, including areas related to cognitive, language, motor, social, emotional, behavioral, and self-help skills.If the child is eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan is written based on the individual needs of the child and family. EI begins working with the child and family within 45 days of referral.
Who provides EI services?Services are provided by Pernet's professional and dedicated EI team, which includes the child's family. Depending on the child's needs, an EI team may also include an educator, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, and other specialty service providers. The child's medical provider is considered a valuable member of this team.
Where and how are services provided?A Pernet Early Intervention team serves the child and family in what are called "natural environments", for example, in family homes, childcare centers, community play groups, or libraries. Serving children in natural environments helps them to participate more easily in their everyday activities and with their peers.
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Does my child meet the Developmental Milestones for his/her age?
A set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain age range. Your pediatrician uses milestones to help check how your child is developing. Although each milestone has an age level, the actual age when a normally developing child reaches that milestone can very quite a bit. Every child is unique! If your child is delayed, you should start intervention as early as possible so your child can make the best possible progress. When thinking about normal development, think about the developing skills like:
- Gross motor: using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance, and changing positions.
- Fine motor: using hands to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write, and do many other things.
- Language: speaking, using body language and gestures, communicating, and understanding what others say.
- Cognitive: Thinking skills: including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering.
- Social: Interacting with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.
What should I do next?
Call and speak with Pernet's Early Intervention Program to make a referral.
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