EI and being "labeled"

The ped was mentioning EI for DS (the not eating solid food and slight speech delay).

DH did not like it. I am sure he is thinking our son will be "labeled" with Nassau County.

Since I don't know the answer myself I thought I would ask here. I did not think to ask the ped and wanted input from BTDT moms.

If EI were to evaluate DS and give him services, would this be reported on a school file of some sort?

TIA

Re: EI and being "labeled"

I'm not sure about the report on a school file, but EI was the best thing I could've ever done for my son.

He's received speech therapy for about one year, and our therapist is a wonderful woman.

THese early years of development are critical, and you know what, if your child qualifies, you can get someone come to the house, and provide this assistance. And honestly, it's done in such a fun way, that he can't wait for her to come over.

Recently he's been retested, and is doing remarkably well.

I used to be very worried of the labels, but then I just tried to think of it in a different way....he's getting a free tutor.

It never hurts to get the eval...it's possible your DC may not even qualify for services.

Good luck

Oh, forgot to add, DH is now 27 months

Message edited 10/6/2008 4:02:59 PM.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

I think it depends. I know some kids who had EI and were deemed to not need services before they even started school.

My nephew started EI when he was 3 and is 6 now and is still receiving speech services through school now. My sister loves it because he still needs help and he's getting what he needs.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

i just wanted to say that there is no shame if your child needs services
dd got a 6 mth trial of speech services and then did not qualify after that .....6 months was all she needed and now she speaks wonderfully
when you enter kindergarten they asked if she was in any ot/pt speech therapy etc and i just said she was and that was it dd is now in 2nd grade and we have never been asked again

Re: EI and being "labeled"

Re: EI and being "labeled"

Re: EI and being "labeled"

Aren't the services provided through the school district? If so I'd imagine there would be a record of it on a school file.

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Message edited 10/6/2008 4:22:40 PM.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

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Re: EI and being "labeled"

From people I know who used services for DC, they got it through the county. The kids were under 2 at the time of services.

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Re: EI and being "labeled"

I don't know if schools are notified, but I really wouldn't worry about it too much. So many children receive EI services today, and there is no shame in it. It's better to address problems early than later.

That said, I understand how you must feel (or DH) about the label. But lots of kids need EI for lots of reasons.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

I have all of the EI info if you want it. I contacted the Marion Solomon agency for Jack on Friday regarding speech. She sent me a very helpful packet. Let me know if you want their number.

In Jack's case they suggested waiting another 2 months before sending someone out for an eval -- but they were extremely helpful!

I have a few friends whose kids are getting EI. One is getting it for feeding also. They have been a HUGE help for him!

Re: EI and being "labeled"

EI services run until age 3. At that point if you choose to discontinue services (or if your child no longer needs them) there is no "label" on the child's educational record. Once the child turns 3, services are provided through the school district.

That being said, it is MUCH more important for the child to get the services they need as EARLY as possible, whether its through EI or CPSE (3 and up). Its been proven that the earlier the services start, the more successful the child will be. Good luck!

Re: EI and being "labeled"

Thank you everybody!

I did not want people to think we are "above" EI and that we will not do EI.

DS is very important to us, more than any pre-conceptions we may have.

As 1st parent, we are learning as we go and this is why I asked the BTDT moms.

DS will get any intervention that he needs if this is the case. We will not delay him if we find that something he needed.

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Re: EI and being "labeled"

Both EI and labels are very chique today. Seriously, I would want my child to receive services that may prevent him from struggling or being lost in the cracks,.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

From someone whose child has been through EI and on I wouldnt worry in the least bit about him being labeled.

EI is for children under the age of 3 and is paid for through the county.

Without getting into a discussion of the "philosophy" of EI the purpose of EI is so the child will need fewer special education and other habilitative services later in life so a child will be retained in grade less often; and in some cases being indistinguishable from nonhandicapped classmates years after intervention.

So basically in a nut shell the purpose of EI is to help him now so he over comes his delays before school age.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

i believe there is a form that you sign where you can give permission to release info to school districts etc. you can decline this if you want.

i havent posted about this yet, but hannah receives ei services too. we opted to not sign that part of the form.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

I completely understand your concerns, but can't stress the importance of EI enough. Just call for an evaluation. He may not even qualify, especially because he's so young, and if that's his only delay, they might ask you to wait it out a little and call again in a few months if the problems still exist.

Re: EI and being "labeled"

good luck!

I bring it up to ped everytime I am in there(almost bi-weekly) that I don't feel Josh's speech is improving...I keep being told to wait it out till 2...which is fine.

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Re: EI and being "labeled"

Re: EI and being "labeled"