Service Coordination Under Part C
Early intervention service coordination (defined in 34 CFR ยง303.34) is a mandated service under Part C of IDEA, provided at no cost to families. Service coordination is defined as an active, ongoing process that assists and enables families to access services and assures their rights and procedural safeguards.
Service Coordination Systems
Within the parameters of IDEA's regulations, states have much discretion in developing their service coordination system. States and communities have different approaches or models of service coordination. Service coordinators may be "dedicated", meaning that service coordination is their only role. In a "blended" or primary service provider model, all of the professionals on the Early Intervention team may perform the functions of service coordination for their assigned families in addition to providing a specific EI service. Service coordination caseloads vary according to the different models, and whether or not there are standards or maximum limits.
An Outcomes-Based Approach to Evaluating Service Coordination Models (2005)
This is the final report of a three-year study. The purpose of the study was to investigate three commonly used Part C service coordination models, examining the degree to which services are delivered efficiently, including a cost analysis, as well as their effect on child and family outcomes. The goal of this project was to identify those service coordination strategies that best support system efficiency and child and family quality of life and developmental outcomes.
Training Resources
These training resources are a compilation of states' on-line courses or modules that are part of a credentialing or qualification process for service coordinators and other early intervention providers. Additionally, there is a collection of on-line training materials that states are using in early intervention programs to provide inservice supports for EI providers.
Care Coordination: Integrating Health and Related Systems of Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Young children with disabilities often have many medical issues and it is essential to link the care systems of early intervention, education and health. The medical philosophy and practice of family-centered care parallels family-centered practices in early intervention. There is also a parallel emphasis on care coordination and service coordination in order that families can easily access integrated services and community supports.
See also: Early Intervention Services: Key Principles and Practices: Discipline-Specific Support
National Center for Medical Home Implementation (2012)
This is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to promote family-centered medical homes for all children to ensure that all of a child's medical and non-medical needs are met. A video tutorial is available: