Welcome
The Early Development Network (EDN) provides services and supports that are designed based on the needs of children birth to age three and their families with the belief that parents know what is best for their families. These services are designed to act on what families think is important for their child and family. The Network is staffed by friendly, supportive people who listen to and respect families. The Network also can connect families with other families who have had similar experiences.
You may hear several different terms that describe EDN. You may hear IDEA Part C, Part C, early intervention, Babies Can't Wait or even special education. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law and regulations that outlines all of the components that must be implemented by each state for children with disabilities. Part C is the birth to age three section of the regulations.
Early intervention is a term used to identify the program for infants and toddlers birth to age three. Nebraska use to call the program early intervention but after some research, changed the name to Early Development Network in 2000.
Babies Can't Wait is the Early Development's tag line. Research tell us that a child's brain development occurs most rapidly during the first three years of life. Babies Can't Wait is a call to action, to make sure that babies are screened early to identify any area's of development that may be behind and so that intervention can begin as soon as possible.
The goal of the Early Development Network is to provide coordinated services for Nebraska families as conveniently as possible. The program helps families to understand their child's disability and provides assistance in dealing with situations that interfere with the child's development.
The Early Development Network is a collaborative effort of the Nebraska Departments of Education and the Health & Human Services to serve infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
