SPECIAL CHILD HEALTH SERVICES AND EARLY INTERVENTION
Kathe C. Lardiere, RN, MSN, Acting Director Public Health Nursing,
Mary Jane Navin, Administrative Supervisor of Family Services,
732. 341.9700, ext. 7602 or 732.806.3930, mnavin@ochd.org
The Early Intervention Program focuses on children under the age of 3, experiencing a developmental delay, disability, or has a diagnosis that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay. A service coordinator will talk with you about your concerns. Evaluations are provided at public expense with no cost to the family. If the child meets eligibility criteria for the early intervention program, we will work to assure access and availability of individualized early intervention services. If you suspect an infant or toddler may be experiencing a developmental delay(s) or may have a disability, seek help early. A referral can be made by calling the Regional System Point of Entry toll free number at 1-888-653-4463.
Special Child Health Services (SCHS) of Ocean County has made a commitment to assist families in caring for their children with complex, long-term medical and developmental disabilities and for children experiencing a developmental delay. For young children, prompt attention to their condition early in life helps assure they will lead healthier lives when they are older.
The program will assist families by coordinating resources for the child with special needs under the age of 22. With parental consent, case managers will work with the child's parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and the physician, to evaluate a child's strengths and needs; and develop and Individual Service Plan for the child and the family. Medical, educational, developmental, social and economic needs of the child and family are targeted. For more information on this program, call 1.800.342.9738, ext. 7602 or 732.341.9700. ext. 7602. Case workers will also help parents access the New Jersey Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Information on this service can be found by calling 1.800.335.3863 or at http://WWW.NJCATASTROPHICFUND.ORG
T