What Is The Difference Between Special Education and Early Intervention Services?
Special education is defined as instruction, provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique educational needs of a child (not the family). This education is defined by an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Early intervention services are designed to meet the developmental needs of an eligible infant or toddler and the family needs which are related to enhancing the child’s development. The services are provided according to an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Whatever services are appropriate are, therefore, required and must be included in the IFSP. This, however, does not mean that all costs are covered by public funds. The law provides that some of the costs can be billed to private insurance coverers, some will be covered by Medicaid, and some costs may be paid by the family according to a sliding fee scale. Having payment options is a different way of defining the term “entitlement.
Related Questions
- Can a child be age-eligible for the Early Intervention Program (EIP) and special education services under Section 4410 of the Education Law at the same time?
- What Careers are Available in Special Education, Early Intervention and the Related Services?
- What Is The Difference Between Special Education and Early Intervention Services?
