Early Support Services
WHAT IS EARLY SUPPORT?
Early support is a system of comprehensive services a family may need for their infant or toddler who has developmental delays and/or disabilities. It is designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family and enhance a child’s development in a variety of settings, including in their home, child care, preschool, and in their community.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR EARLY SUPPORT?
Eligibility is based on a variety of measures including: standardized testing, parental report and clinical observation. Washington state’s eligibility requires a 25% delay (-1.50 standard deviation) in one or more area(s) of development or a diagnosis that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.
Are you concerned with a child’s movement, play, language, feeding skills or medical diagnosis? Anyone may refer a child for developmental screening—Holly Ridge Center is here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
WHAT AGES DOES EARLY SUPPORT APPLY TO?
Early Support usually refers to children from birth to three years of age.
For children more than 35 months of age, contact your local school district and inquire about Child Find services:
(360) 277-2281
(360) 394-2604
South Kitsap
(360) 443-3625
Bremerton
(360) 473-1008
Central Kitsap
(360) 662-1040
Bainbridge Island
(206) 842-7637
HOW IS EARLY SUPPORT FUNDED?
Holly Ridge Center utilizes a variety of funding sources to assist with covering the cost of services including Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Part C, school district contracts, public/private insurance, grants, fundraising and donations. There is a Parent Cost Participation Policy in Washington State, however, once Holly Ridge Center is given your consent to bill public and/or private insurance, your cost participation will have been met.
For those without insurance or do not wish to allow Holly Ridge Center to bill insurance, there is a sliding-fee scale. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for any co-payment, co-insurance and/or deductible identified by their individual insurance for billable services. Some services must be provided at no cost. These include: developmental evaluations to determine eligibility for the Holly Ridge Infant/Toddler program, Family Resources Coordination and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) development.
WHAT IS HOLLY RIDGE CENTER’S SERVICE AREA?
For Kitsap and North Mason County residents, Holly Ridge Center is the Local Lead agency for Washington State’s birth to three early intervention services. We serve eligible families who reside in the following school districts: Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Central Kitsap, Grapeview, North Kitsap, North Mason, and South Kitsap.
If your family resides in one of these school districts or if you have questions about whether or not you live in our service area, please contact our Family Resource Coordinators at (360) 373-2536.
WHERE ARE SERVICES PROVIDED?
Early Support Services are generally provided in the family home or in a community setting, such as a childcare center or preschool. We also have several locations throughout the community in East and West Bremerton, Poulsbo and Port Orchard. Family preference usually determines where the child’s services are provided. And, the location may change as your child grows.