Families
Benefits of Participation in the Planning Region Team for…
…Families of Children with Special Needs
When you attend meetings for Planning Region 12, you will have the opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas on improving service availability and delivery for children with special needs – from a family’s point of view. This can mean improved services for your child, and all other children who are served by the Early Development Network.
In addition, the Planning region Team works together to determine what types of educational/training opportunities would best serve the families in our region. By attending meetings, you can help decide what types of opportunities would provide the greatest benefit to other families – families just like yours.
Don’t know if you’re ready to join the team? You don’t have to right away…come to one of our meetings and find out what it’s all about! We’d love to have you join us. Be sure to ask about expense reimbursement for meeting attendees.
General Development Information
- Turns heads toward bright colors and lights- Moves both eyes together in the same direction
- Recognizes bottle or breast
- Reacts to sudden sounds or voices
- Makes cooing sounds
- Makes fists with both hands
- Grasps toys or hair
- Wiggles and kicks with arms and legs
- Lifts head and chest when on stomach smiles
- Follows moving objects with eyes- Turns toward the source of normal sound
- Reaches for objects and picks them up
- Switches toys from one hand to the other
- Plays with toes
- Helps hold the bottle during feeding
- Recognizes familiar faces
- Babbles
- Sits without support- Pulls to a standing position
- Crawls
- Drinks from a cup
- Plays peek-a-boo and patty cake
- Waves bye-bye
- Holds out arms and legs while being dressed
- Puts objects in a container
- Stacks two blocks
- Knows five or six words
- Likes to pull, push and dump objects- Follows simple directions ("Bring the ball")
- Pulls off shoes, socks and mittens
- Likes to look at pictures
- Feeds self
- Makes marks on paper with crayons
- Walks without help
- Steps off a low object and keeps balance
- Uses two-to-three-word sentences- Says names of toys
- Recognizes familiar pictures
- Carries one or more objects while walking
- Feeds self with a spoon
- Plays independently
- Turns 2-3 pages at a time
- Likes to imitate parent(s)
- Identifies hair, eyes, ears and nose by pointing
- Builds a tower of four blocks
- Shows affection
- Walks up steps (alternating feet)- Rides a tricycle
- Puts on shoes
- Opens doors
- Turns one page at a time
- Plays with other children for a few minutes
- Repeats common rhymes
- Uses three-to-five-word sentences
- Names at least one color correctly
- Is toilet trained
Referral Information for Early Development Network Services
If a child's growth or learning is slower than that of other children the same age, it is best to check it out as soon as possible. The same is true if a child has a health condition that could be long lasting. Many children do not 'outgrow' a problem. They may need extra community services and support to live healthy and successful lives. In Nebraska, these supports are provided by a joint effort of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Department of Education. Special Education services for young children are provided by the local school district with the help of a Services Coordinator who can link families to other services which are available in their community and assist families in understanding how the school-based special education system works.
How can the Early Development Network help?
The Early Development Network provides services and supports that are designed based on the needs of children birth to age three and as it relates to their child's disability. 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.
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. Families may choose a particular service or all services. Families also may refuse services at any time.
How do I find out if a child is eligible?
The Early Development Network serves children from birth to age three and their families. A child is eligible for Early Development Network services if he or she is not developing the way most other children their age do, or has been diagnosed with a health condition that will affect his or her development. Identifying such delays or disabilities usually involves both the family and a team of professionals.
Who can make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to Early Development Network if they are concerned about a child’s development. We do ask, though, that if someone other than the child’s parents makes this referral that they have permission from the child’s parents when they call.
To find out more, call: Nebraska CHILDFIND at 1-888-806-6287 or for a local contact call 1-800-717-1231 extension 111.
