Parent Page for Infant's & Toddlers 0-3

(Note: This page may be reproduced for use by EI Centers/day care and other agencies. The credit line at the bottom of the page must be included in the photocopy.)

Mom and Dad-worried about your baby?
Is something bothering you about the way your baby, infant or toddler moves, talks, plays, or other things? Scared to ask somebody about it?

Do you get angry because you are frightened for your baby and nothing you do seems to help?

Does the doctor say everything is OK and you are still worried? Something upset you about the way your baby is growing? Does someone want to test your baby and you refuse because you think a problem is your fault?

THERE IS HELP THAT DOES NOT COST YOU MONEY.
A law was passed in 1986 that makes towns, cities and states test your child at no cost to you, and to provide the right services if your baby, age 0-3, is found to have a problem. That law is called The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, Part C. The short way of talking about this law is to call it "Part C" services. Ask the school nearest you to give you the address and phone number where you can ask for Part C testing. You and your baby have rights because of Part C. You also have responsibilities to cooperate in order to have services given. Rights include:

1. Free testing
2. Free services if your baby has a disability
3. Services planned just for your child's needs
4. A written contract for those services. This contract also has services to help you help your child
5. To have a translator at your meetings so that you understand everything that is said
6. To give your input about your child
7. To disagree with what the professionals want to do
8. To treat and be treated with respect and dignity

If you cannot find help, you can contact us.