Part C Eligibility

Part C eligibility is determined by each state's definition of an infant or toddler with a disability, which must include: an infant or toddler with a developmental delay and an infant or toddler with diagnosed physical or cognitive conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. States may choose to serve children at risk for disabilities in their eligibility definition under 34 CFR §303.21.

Developmental delay is "measured by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures" to determine the developmental functioning in each of the 5 developmental areas: cognitive, physical including vision and hearing, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive.

Included in the evaluation process is the use of informed clinical opinion provided by qualified personnel.

An infant or toddler with diagnosed physical or cognitive conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay include such conditions as:

• chromosomal abnormalities
• genetic or congenital disorders
• sensory impairments
• inborn errors of metabolism
• disorders reflecting disturbance of the development of the nervous system
• congenital infections
• severe attachment disorders
• disorders secondary to exposure to toxic substances, including fetal alcohol syndrome

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Part C Eligibility Resources

Part C of IDEA Child Count Data Tables

Part C Child Count data is one measure that can assist states in determining performance related to early identification and provision of services to children with disabilities. Part C Child Count data reports reflect the number of children with IFSPs served by each state (for example, ages birth–1, 1–2, 2–3 and birth–3) and includes the National Average in each of these categories and over multiple years.

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ITCA Child Count Data Charts

ITCA provides historical and yearly on state child counts by state for ages birth–1 and birth–3.

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