Home & Community-Based Early Intervention Program
About our Program
The MTSU Home & Community-Based Early Intervention (HCBEI) Program provides Early Intervention (sometimes identified as Developmental Therapy) to children from birth to three who have been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability and qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We are an Early Intervention Resource Agency with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and Early Intervention is provided at no cost to children and families who qualify for services with TEIS.
What We Do
Early Interventionists provide developmental therapy where children and families spend their time (also known as Natural Environments). Our Early Interventionists provide home and/or community based services to children birth to three years old who have developmental delays or disabilities. Early Interventionists work collaboratively with other professionals (e.g., service coordinators, therapists, interpreters, etc.) to support and educate children and their families. Our team of degreed and experienced Early Interventionists travel to homes or other sites in the community to work with infants and toddlers with special needs and their families, care providers, and/or other therapists. The role of an Early Interventionist is to educate and support children and families so they can take advantage of a child’s critical time period for learning, growth, and development. They provide support as outlined on the child’s educational document called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). They also participate in IFSP meetings, complete visits together, and exchange information about strategies for helping children.
The foundation of the MTSU HCBEI Program is the principles and practices identified by the Workgroup on Principles and Practices in Natural Environments (November, 2007). We are guided by the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the child’s natural environments and routines. We focus on the resources, priorities, and concerns a family has expressed about their child. Each visit is individualized based on the needs of the specific child and family and provides opportunities for the Early Interventionist and family to work together to support the child’s development.
Who We Are
Early Interventionists are degreed, professional early childhood educators with a passion for helping infants and toddlers reach their potential. The qualifications and fields of study required of Early Interventionists include:
- Early Childhood Special Education Degree (preferred)
- Early Childhood Education Degree
- Child Development/Family Studies Degree
- Elementary Education Degree
- At least one year of work experience with very young children (preferably very young children with special needs and their families
Where We Serve
The MTSU Home & Community-Based Early Intervention Program provides Developmental Therapy services to children who reside in Rutherford, Williamson, or Maury county.