How do I know if my child needs early intervention?

You know your child best.

Contact AzEIP if you have concerns about how your child:

• Plays and interacts with others
• Learns
• Communicates
• Moves
• Sees
• Hears

For more information about child developmental milestones, the Learn the Signs. Act Early. website has developmental milestone checklists, growth charts, resource kits, positive parenting tips, and more.For fun early literacy resources, visit the Center for Early Literacy Learning where there are free materials for parents and caregivers with children birth to five on all different topics, including music, stories, scribbling, drawing, gestures, signing, and more.

How do I refer my child to AzEIP?

You are now able to refer a child to AzEIP using our Online Referral.

If you prefer to refer a child to AzEIP by phone, or for additional information, contact our Central Referral Line toll-free at (888) 592-0140.

If you do not know the child’s zip code, or if you have an invalid zip code, you can contact DES/AzEIP for further information

What happens when my child is referred to AzEIP?

When your child is referred to AzEIP, your family is contacted and given information about early intervention services and eligibility. If your family is interested in AzEIP, arrangements are made to meet at a time and place convenient for your family, in order to begin the initial planning process (IPP). The IPP process includes assessment, eligibility determination, and, for eligible children, the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

During visits with the family, information about your child's development, health, and medical history is gathered, and the family's concerns, interests, and priorities are explored. Information may be gathered by reviewing existing records, observation, and/or formal evaluation measures.

If your child is eligible for the early intervention program, family members, a Service Coordinator, individuals involved in the assessment process, and others you, the family, may wish to include, work as a team to develop desired outcomes related to your child's development. These outcomes are the foundation of the Individualized Family Service Plan. The team members share information and resources, and identify strategies, activities, supports, and services related to these outcomes.

Your family may stay enrolled in AzEIP until your child turns three years of age or your child no longer needs early intervention. As your child nears two and a half years of age, your Service Coordinator will help you determine the next steps for your child. These steps may include a preschool program for children with special needs offered by your local school district, a Head Start program, or a local childcare center.