Early Childhood E-News

Welcome to Early Childhood e-News, a new publication from PACER Center.

Here you'll find the latest information and resources for parents of young children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them.

Did you Know...

If you are ending Part C services that you have received for six months or longer, you will soon receive a Family Outcomes Survey from a member of your Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) team. In order to see if early intervention programs are benefiting families, the federal government now requires states to report on the following outcomes:

1. Families know their rights.
2. Families are able to effectively communicate their child's needs.
3. Families will be able to help their child develop and learn.

If you receive a Family Outcomes Survey and have questions or need help in completing it, please contact PACER and ask to speak with an early childhood advocate. Although participation is voluntary, PACER encourages families to respond to the survey. The feedback you provide will help strengthen Part C services at the local and state level.

Heads Up! Minnesota Early Intervention Eligibility Criteria to Change Soon

At press time, Minnesota was expected to expand its eligibility criteria for early intervention services affecting children from birth through age 2. The new criteria will include those children who meet the federal definition of an infant or toddler with a disability under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). The federal Office of Special Education Programs notified Minnesota in 2004 that to continue receiving Part C funds, the state must comply with federal law by June 30, 2007.

Speak Out! Public Comment Invited on Proposed Part C Regulations

The U.S. Department of Education wants to know what you think. Proposed regulations for Part C of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) are now available for public comment. Comments must be received by July 23, 2007. IDEA is the federal law that provides special education to children with disabilities. Part C affects infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.

Try these Early Literacy Tips

From the moment babies are born, they start developing literacy skills through their relationship with their parents. By talking, reading, singing, and playing with your infant or toddler, you provide the foundation your child will need to develop language and reading skills. Check out PACER’s new handout on how parents can help their children develop early literacy skills.

Build Your Child's Literacy Skills with Let's Talk Activity Cards

Words are all around you—in your home, at the store, in your neighborhood or at the park. PACER Center's Let's Talk activity cards provide an enjoyable, easy way to use everyday moments and places to help improve your child’s vocabulary and speaking skills—the first steps in learning to read. Designed for children ages 2 to 6, the illustrated, easy-to-read cards include simple directions. One set is free to Minnesota parents of young children with disabilities. Additional sets are $4. Ten or more sets, $2.50 each. To order, call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free). Or visit www.PACER.org.

Workshops are Coming!

The Early Childhood Family Information and Resources Project will be sponsoring workshops this fall on such topics as early literacy and how to communicate with professionals regarding your child’s strengths and needs. Check PACER’s Web site for additional information later this summer.

The Early Childhood Family Information and Resource Project is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

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