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Who is Eligible?
Criteria for Nebraska's Early Development Program
The Early Development Network (EDN) serves children from birth to age three and their families. A child is eligible for services if he or she is not developing typically, or has been diagnosed with a health condition that will affect his or her development.
A referral may be made by anyone concerned about the child's development (e.g. a family member, child care provider, physician, social worker, or other service provider). The call will go to a Services Coordinator who will contact the family within seven days to determine if they are interested in Early Development Network services.
Upon receiving written parental consent, the Services Coordinator will arrange for an evaluation with the local school district to determine the unique needs of the child and his or her eligibility. The evaluation is completed with a multidisciplinary evaluation team which includes the child's parents. Together, the team is responsible for the analysis, assessment and documentation of developmental abilities and needs of the child and family.
When making a determination of eligibility, criteria found in Section 006 of Rule 52 is used. The Services Coordinator can link the family with community resources before the evaluation if needed.
If the child qualifies for EDN services, the Services Coordinator will identify, with the family, others who can participate on a team to help the family develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which sets goals for the child and family and identifies activities and services needed to achieve those goals. The IFSP will be completed within 45 days, so the family can access Early Development Network services as quickly as possible.