Community Resources to Expand Early Intervention Services

There are a wide variety of resources that can be utilized by communities wanting to expand options for serving young children with disabilities and their families. Information on these neighborhood resources can be found through a variety of sources. Talking to the families in your program is the most direct method of finding the resources and community settings in which they participate. Families may mention childcare programs, neighborhood associations, clubs, recreational activities, and variety of other places where they spend their time. Families may already be involved in these programs already and early intervention special education programs can assist by supporting the inclusion of their child with a disability. Early intervention special education providers may also play an important role in helping a families access these programs. Service providers may identify potential natural environments a variety of ways. Contacts with other service providers and community programs can lead to new resources. Public libraries often have community resource files and publications. Phone books provide lists of many of these resources. Newspapers are also an excellent source of information on programs, events, and special activities in your community.

For questions about this information, contact Jill A. Haglund (608) 267-9625

Last updated on 2/25/2008 9:07:50 AM