Early intervention
WHAT IS EARLY INTERVENTION?
The Early Intervention Program provides services for eligible young children ages three through five and is available to any qualifying child residing in one of the 17 school districts served by the Riverview Intermediate Unit 6. Services are provided when the child meets the eligibility criteria of a 25% delay in one or more of the five developmental areas and demonstrates a need for specially designed instruction.
The primary goal of the program is to improve a child’s developmental levels to enable him or her to access the general curriculum when they are school-aged. The staff works closely with school districts and parents to facilitate the transition-to-school process for eligible children. A language-based curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities provides a framework for learning.
WHAT IS AN EVALUATION?
The Evaluation Report summarizes the information from the evaluations and from the parents in the following areas:
Cognitive skills
Adaptive (self-help) skills
Social/emotional skills
Communication skills
Gross and fine motor skills
The Evaluation Report will determine whether a child is eligible and in need of special education services. The report is shared with the child's parents/guardian and other IEP team members.
WHAT IS AN IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed if a child has been determined to be eligible and in need of special education services, based on the conclusions of the Evaluation Report.
The IEP outlines the child’s educational goals and specially designed instruction necessary to demonstrate developmentally appropriate progress. The IEP is reviewed annually. The IEP can be revised at any time during the year at the request of any team member, including the parents.
WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO MY CHILD?
Early Intervention education services are tailored to meet the child’s individual educational needs.
Services might include:
Specialized instruction
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Hearing support
Speech and language support
Vision support
Services are provided in the least-restrictive educational environment in various placement locations throughout the Riverview Intermediate Unit 6 service area. Children may receive services individually or as part of a small or large group.
What districts are in the RIU6 service area?
Allegheny-Clarion Valley, Brockway Area, Brookville Area, Clarion Area, Clarion-Limestone Area, Cranberry Area, DuBois Area, Forest Area, Franklin Area, Keystone, North Clarion, Oil City, Punxsutawney Area, Redbank Valley, Titusville, Union, and Valley Grove.
How do I request a screening for my child?
Please fill out the Early Intervention Referral Form and a Riverview Intermediate Unit 6 team member will be in contact with you.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information about the Early Intervention program and its related services, please contact:
Laura Sherman
Early Intervention Secretary
(814) 297-5128
lsherman@riu6.org
Mary Anne Jordan
Director of Special Education
(814) 297-5104
mjordan@riu6.org
Sandy Clark
Supervisor of Special Education
(814) 226-7103 ext. 5119
sclark@riu6.org