Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board

Step Ahead

Early Intervention - Who needs it?

More than 1,500 children in South Carolina need early intervention - extra care from birth to age 6 to help them learn and grow.

Your child may need early intervention, if they:

• have low birth -weight, critical health or genetic condition.

• are smaller in size and weigh less than other children of the same age.

• don't respond or make few sounds.

• do not hear or see well.

• aren't walking by 15 months of age.

• have trouble getting along with others or learning things on their own.

OR, if you believe that your child is not growing or learning as they should be.

What to expect.

The Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs (DSN) Board offers specialized services for BabyNet through Step Ahead.  BabyNet may link your family to our agency, or you may call our agency and we will link you to BabyNet.

Parents know their children best, and are their first and most important teachers.   Your family has the right to choose how your child learns, lives and plays.   We'll help your family build on its strengths to help your child enjoy a meaningful, independent life.

Our success is measured by the results gained in your child's life and by your satisfaction.

Putting your goals into action.

We offer each family an early interventionist to put their goals into action.

The interventionist helps your child reach goals that you feel are important.

They visit your home weekly to monitor your child's progress and suggest exercises, learning games and daily activities.  The interventionist may also offer infant massage to stimulate muscle tone and movement.

The interventionist can link you to local, state and national support groups that offer practical knowledge, advocacy and family-to-family support.

Your family's interventionist can also guide you in applying for government benefits.

Linking your family to specialists and resources.

Step Ahead links your family to other resources in our community.

Our staff may also recommend specialists.

Step Ahead is tailored to support each family's choices and needs, and to ensure each child's health and safety.

Your family will not be charged for services.  Services may be paid with private insurance, Medicaid, other public funds or community resources.

Links to other websites with information on Child Development and Children with Disabilities.

Return to Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board Home Page

Date late edited: Friday, September 17, 2004