Federal Laws Controlling Early Intervention

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT, 1999

Special education, related services, free appropriate public education means early intervention.

State Application for funding
The State's application for federal funds must assure that a statewide system of EI is in effect and that appropriate EI services are available to all 0-3 infants and toddlers within the State.

Purpose of Early Intervention Program
Under this federal law, the purposes of the early intervention program are:

1. Maintain and implement a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families;
2. Facilitate coordination of payment for EI services from Federal, State, local, and private sources (including public and private insurance coverage);
3. Enhance the capacity to provide quality EI services and expand and improve existing EI services;
4. Enhance the capacity of State, local agencies and service providers to identify, evaluate and meet the needs of historically underrepresented populations.

Public agency
The lead agency and any other political subdivision of the State is responsible for providing EI services to eligible children and their families.

Cost
EI services are provided at no cost, unless, subject to Sec. 303.520 (b)(3) Federal or State law provides for a system of payments by families, including a schedule of sliding fees.

Control of Funds and Property
The public agency administers and controls funds and the title to property acquired with those funds.

A Public Awareness Program is Required

Interagency Agreements
Each application must contain:

1. Copy of each Interagency Agreement
2. Information to show that Federal requirements are met.

Data Collection is required.

THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT, 2000

Developmental Disabilities Council

Purpose
Federal support to State Developmental Disabilities Councils is to promote, through systemic change, capacity building and advocacy activities consistent with a consumer and family-centered, comprehensive system, and a coordinated array of services, supports, and other assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Priority Activities
Priority activities are in the prevention, identification and alleviation of developmental disabilities in children, including early intervention services.

Early Intervention
Early Intervention services means services provided to infants, toddlers and their families to

1. Enhance their development and to minimize their potential for developmental delay;
2. Enhance the capacities of families to meet the special needs of their infants and toddlers;
3. Family support services are to:
   1. Strengthen family as primary caregiver;
   2. Prevent inappropriate out-of- home placement.

Service Coordination
Service coordination activities means Case Management activities that assist and enable families to access services, supports and other assistance and includes;

1. Information about availability of services and supports;
2. Coordination/monitoring of services, supports and other assistance to ensure accessibility, continuity and accountability.

Individualized Services
The Developmental Disabilities Council shall provide assurances that any direct services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and funded under this Act will be provided in an individualized manner, consistent with unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of an individual.

---

ADDITIONAL FEDERAL LAWS
Additional Federal laws that include early intervention funding lines are the Social Security Act and Medicaid.