Community Partners and Referrers
A simple concern can make all the difference. It is often a family physician, social worker, child care director, or a community member who can help a family access help to address their child's developmental needs. A partnership between the parents and an early intervention team can help further attainment of age-appropriate developmental levels, maximize on the significant development that occurs during the child’s first three years of life, and reduce feelings of isolation, stress and frustration that families may experience. Early intervention services help the child, family and community as a whole by reducing long-term educational costs by helping to minimize the need for special education services at school age, and by helping children grow up to become productive, independent individuals.
How to Refer Families
If you are concerned about a child's development, you can refer the family to MCITP by having them call 240-777-3997 or having them submit the following application. A bilingual intake specialist is available to help the family fill out the form and set up an evaluation appointment.
What it Means to Partner with MCITP
MCITP offers families the choice of having their child receive services in the child's "natural environment"; the place where the child would typically spend her day if developmental needs were of no concern. This usually means the location where the child is cared for and where the child plays. The child's therapy services can be provided in a day care, preschool, or family day care center. This arrangement has proven to be beneficial not only for providing the child with an inclusive peer experience, but also for the whole community where the child is being welcomed. Each child's needs are different so there is no formula for partnerships. To learn more on how a child's Individualized Family Service Plan can be applied at your location, contact the child's MCITP Service Learning Coordinator to arrange a meeting.
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