8.4.0.1: Determining the Type and Frequency of Services

The parents/guardians of a child with a disability or a child with special health care needs, the child’s primary care provider, any authorized service coordinator, any provider of intervention services, and the caregiver/teacher should discuss and determine the type and frequency of the services to be provided within the child care facility.

RATIONALE

To serve children with varying forms and severities of disabilities or special health care needs, caregivers/teachers should take a flexible approach to combine and deliver services. Parents/guardians must be involved to assure that the plan is compatible with their care and expectations for the child.

COMMENTS

In facilities that are not designed primarily to serve a population with disabilities or special health care needs, the additional therapeutic services may be obtained through consultants or arrangements with outside programs serving children with disabilities or children with special health care needs. These services may be available, as arranged, through the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or through special health personnel such as RNs or LPNs under RN supervision. Most States have a case manager for Developmental Disabilities Services under a Medicaid Waiver for DD/MR children. The caregiver/teacher may become a member of the IFSP or IEP team if the parents/guardians of a child with disabilities so request.

When there is an IFSP, IDEA requires the appointment of an authorized service coordinator.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.5.0.1 Care Plan for Children with Special Health Care Needs
8.4.0.4 Designation and Role of Staff Person Responsible for Coordinating Care in the Child Care Facility