Frequently Asked Questions
How much do services cost?
FREE! All services conducted through BabyNet are free! This is due to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C funding! This program “promotes the development of infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities, enhances the capacity of families to meet the developmental needs of their infants and toddlers, minimizes the need for special education and related services when children enter school, and enhances children’s long-term outcomes.” Through DDSN, both Family Coaching/Training and Service Coordination are free as well!
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis or a disability. Can they still qualify?
Yes! BabyNet will determine their eligibility through completion of assessments through their referral process. Eligibility is available for those with confirmed diagnosis or disability; however, children without those identified conditions can still qualify for assistance if they are demonstrating a certain percentage of delay in different developmental domains per BabyNet’s assessment.
Why does my EI use email or call instead of text for communication?
In order to protect the confidentiality of your services, the state of South Carolina has moved to using email and phone calls as the primary mode of conversation. People often change phone numbers, and we want to make sure we are talking to you before relaying information about your child and their services. Emails are to be encrypted and phone calls allow us to hear your voice and verify that it is you before disclosing any information!
What is an EI?
Early Intervention in general refers to anyone who works with children in order to assist them in their growth and development in a one-to-one setting because an assessment has demonstrated that the child qualifies for services. In the state of South Carolina, the EI or Early Interventionist provides two main roles. First, they provide Service Coordination involving writing and maintaining the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), completing assessments, identifying available services for the family, and coordinating those services as needed. Second, they can provide Family Training/Coaching by working with the family weekly.