Part C

In Pennsylvania

Part C of IDEA is the section of the federal regulations that describes what a state must do in order to participate in the federal early intervention program for infants and toddlers under the age of three years. In Pennsylvania, the Part C IDEA program is operated through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Child Development and Early Learning, often referred to as the Part C Lead Agency. DPW/OCDEL uses both federal, state, and local funds to implement the Part C program.

For detailed Part C information view the federal regulations.

Families of Infants and Toddlers who are interested in knowing if their child can receive services through the early intervention program should contact their county mental health/mental retardation (MH/MR) program.  The county MH/MR will arrange for an evaluation of the child at no cost to the family. Children are eligible for early intervention services if they have at least a 25% delay in one or more areas of development (cognitive development; physical development, including vision and hearing; communication development; social or emotional development; and adaptive development) or if they have a physical or mental condition which has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay. Once a child has been found to be eligible, the family and the early intervention team will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan, which describes both early intervention and other community services needed by the child and family.

If children are not found eligible for early intervention services they may be eligible for tracking services. A child is eligible for tracking if they meet one of the following criteria:

1. Birth weight was under 1,500 grams
2. Cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit
3. Born to a chemically dependent mother
4. Was seriously abused or neglected
5. Has confirmed dangerous levels of lead poisoning

Tracking services include periodic contact from a service coordinator and monitoring of the child's development.

For more information about how a child can receive services through the early intervention program contact the county mental health/mental retardation (MH/MR) program. Information is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare site.