For those that get services through EI

Are you happy with them? Are they reliable in terms of showing up on time every week?

The reason I ask is because my 1 year old is supposed to be getting physical therapy twice a week (he's not crawling yet or pulling up) He was evaluated in Dec and the therapy was to start last week. When I hadn't heard from the therapist, I called her and she told me that because of the schools being off for spring break, she wanted to start next week. Ok, no problem but it would have been nice if she called me earlier to let me know instead of me having to track her down. She said she would call me on Wed (this past Wed) to go over the schedule to see when she can fit us in. Wed came and went and no call. I called her Friday morning and left a message for her and the social worker that is handling our case....no call back from either one. Am I right to be a little pizzed? If therapy is going to interfere with bringing my older son back and forth to pre-school, I am going to have to make other arrangements for him and I can't leave it to the last minute.

So, just wanted to hear you experiences with EI. Does this sound like an islolated experience or is the EI program that dysfunctional?

Message edited 2/26/2011 8:15:20 AM.

Re: For those that get services through EI

I am a Special Education teacher and I think you have a right to be upset. That therapist will be getting paid very good money to help your LO and at the very least you deserve a call back. I would call a supervisor asking for another therapist if it happens again.

Re: For those that get services through EI

I had no problem with my therapists. They were very reliable. Its not the EI program, but your therapist that seems to be the problem. And case workers are not in the office every day which is why she may not have called you back either...sometimes it takes a couple of days.

If your therapist does not have any openings around your schedule than they will have to look for another therapist that can accommodate you.

Re: For those that get services through EI

I remember getting set up with a therapist being a bit of a hassle, but once it was set up she was totally reliable.

Re: For those that get services through EI

I had to "fire" our first ST for the same reason! I gave it way too long, 6 weeks IIRC and it was nothing but rescheduling, missed appts, no phone calls, no texts etc. Very very frustrating. I called the agency that oversees his therapies and said I needed to make a change, it was no problem!!! They basically didn't even ask why I wanted to switch and I was all nervous about affecting her livelihood!!! But it wasn't the inconvenience per se, I was stressing because DS qualified for ST 2x30 and with all of her flakiness he averaged 1 session per week instead and that really bothered me. Our 2nd ST is the 180 degree opposite, has never missed a session at the last minute, very very rarely reschedules, and the one time she was sick the day was made up that very same week.
So it's really hit or miss; if your child is not getting the services he needs, call the agency DO NOT HESITATE, you will not be put in an awkward position, which is what I feared!

Re: For those that get services through EI

Just call up your case worker and request a new one. i had a speech therapist that said to my boy ..."oh no sweetie i dont get on the floor" how do you not get on the floor when my son took you by the hand, led you into the living room and patted the floor for you to play with him.

if you are not happy there are soo many others that im sure you will be happy with.

Re: For those that get services through EI

My days and times were set before we started. My ladies call the day before or email if they wont be able to make it.they always resched for that week. Never any issues. I actually love our EI teachers, ds does too.

Re: For those that get services through EI

My son gets physical therapy 2 times a week for the same reasons and torticollis. It was crazy when I tried to set up a schedule...I too have both a 1/2 day kindergartener and a preschooler to fit in. But once we got on schedule it has been smooth sailing. I would definitely call your case worker on Monday b/c what you have explained is unprofessional and inexcusable. Good luck!

Re: For those that get services through EI

We receive a ton of services. Usually they are very reliable and call back immediatly. We had a PT for almost 8 months that was always taking days off, doing makeups on Sat or Sundays and arriving late. My biggest regret is not getting rid of her sooner but I was overwhelmed with being a new Mom to a child with medical and developmental delays. When our Speech therapist started I followed my gut and asked for a new therapist after 2 weeks. Follow your instincts because Mom really does know best.

Re: For those that get services through EI

Thanks, ladies. The PT actually called me about an hour after I posted this. DS is set up to receive therapy on Wed and Friday. She was very apologetic about not calling on Wed (apparetnyl she had sick kids at home). Hopefully, she will be reliable from now on but I know now I can request a new one if she pulls this again.

Thanks again for your help.

Re: For those that get services through EI

Now that you are set up, hopefully, it should be smooth sailing from there.
I also had to fit DDs insane schedule around DS' Pre-K.
ALL of DS' therapists were flexible and Awesome and worked with me!
Love each of them! I get annoyed if there's a last minute cancellation, but, I totally understand that things can happen and I can request a make up session.