Specifications include, but are not limited to: The mission of Delaware’s Birth to Three Early Intervention Program is to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities and/or developmental delays, and to enhance the capacity of their families to meet the special needs of these young children. This mission has been adopted by both the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) and DHSS. Guiding principles include: • Family-centered focus - Delaware is committed to strengthening and supporting families, sensitivity to the family's right to privacy, and respect for multicultural preferences. As the primary influence in the child’s life, and the most valuable source of information about the needs of the child and family, family members are key participants in each step of early intervention design and delivery. A critical function of early intervention service providers should be to enhance and build the confidence and competency of the family so that the family can support their child’s development throughout the day as natural learning opportunities occur. • Integration of services - The needs of infants and toddlers and their families require the perspectives of various disciplines; thus, services and supports should be planned, using a collaborative, multidisciplinary, interagency approach. Existing services and programs, both public and private, should be supported with appropriate linkages promoted. • Universal application - Families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in all areas of the state should receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessments of their young children, ages birth to three years, and have access to all necessary early intervention services and supports. • Cost effectiveness - The system maximizes the use of third-party payment and avoids duplication of effort. Initial evaluation for eligibility and service coordination are provided at no cost to the family. Delaware has instituted a System of Payments policy to ensure financial sustainability of the program. • High quality services - Service should be provided at the highest standards of quality with early intervention service providers being required to meet appropriate licensing and credentialing guidelines. 1. In collaboration with the Administrator and Part C Coordinator, and if appropriate, in coordination with other technical assistance providers: a. Identify sections of the Birth to Three Early Intervention Policies and Procedures Manual (Manual) in need of revision for compliance, policy and/or effectiveness and efficiency purposes. b. Develop Manual revisions and related materials and prepare revised policies and procedures for public review and comment. c. Identify needed revisions to interagency agreements and provide support to program staff in negotiating and reviewing final agreements. 2. Provide program staff with updates with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), related technical assistance centers, resources and available materials that can enhance the program and staff’s knowledge. 3. Work with the Administrator, the Part C Coordinator, program staff (including Birth to Three Early Intervention Regional Programs – Child Development Watch) to review and help revise Standard Operating Guidance tools that are aligned with Part C requirements, the Manual, and other DHSS policy, that provide operationalized guidance to meet the needs of family service coordinators, evaluators, and early intervention service providers. 4. Assist Administrative office set up policies and procedures to support onboarding of staff, setting up training schedules, supporting staff as internal Standard Operating Guideline tools are developed.
