What is the Early Development Network?
- EDN serves children ages Birth to 3 years who may be experiencing developmental delays or serious health/medical issues that affects their health and development. Services are also provided for the family as it relates to their child's special needs.
- EDN operates year around; 12 months. It is not limited to the school calendar.
- EDN is co-administrated by the Nebraska Departments of Education and Health and Human Services via Part C of IDEA.
What service does the Early Development Network provide for families?
- EDN provides family-centered services in relation to the child's qualifying need. Services that may be provided, but aren't limited to:
- Services Coordination
- Assistive Technology Devices and Services
- Early Childhood Education
- Transportation to Receive Services
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Audiology Services
- Physical Therapy
- Vision Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Nutrition Services
- Psychological Services
- Counseling and/or Social Work
What is the cost to families to participate in EDN?
- EDN is a free, voluntary program with no income guidelines for infants/toddlers experiencing delays, and their families.
Who can make a referral to EDN?
- A referral may be made by anyone concerned about the child's development by calling: 1- 888-806-6287. You may contact your local EDN agency to make a referral at (402)371- 7284. With the family's verbal permission, the EDN Services Coordinator will follow-up with the referral to advise of the status/outcome of the child's referral.
What happens after I make a referral to EDN?
- Families who choose to participate receive an evaluation by the local school district to determine the unique needs of the child and his/her eligibility. The evaluation is to be conducted in the family's native language, if feasible. The local school district staff evaluates the child in 5 domains to determine the child's specific verification for EDN Special Education services and to determine which services will best improve the development of the child.
- EDN does not require proof of citizenship to receive evaluation or services.
- Once a child is verified per state/federal criteria as eligible for EDN services, and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed which sets goals for the child/family and identifies activities/services needed to achieve those goals. Currently, the IFSP is available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Once a referral is received by the local EDN agency, the evaluation and IFSP is completed and implemented in a maximum of 45 days.
- All medical/health and related professionals working with the child should receive a copy of the IFSP from the Child's Services Coordinator, with parent permission, as all are working together as a team to service the child. If the child moves, copies of the evaluation and IFSP can be sent to the receiving early intervention program.
Who may benefit from EDN services?
- The following are examples of infants/toddlers who have benefitted from early intervention services:
- infant/toddler not meeting typical developmental milestones
- infant experiencing feeding/swallowing issues and not gaining weight appropriately
- child not using sounds/speech/words as expected
- infant born with hearing loss or experiences later hearing loss/impairment
- infant/toddler diagnosed as failure to thrive
- child experiences physical abuse or serious physical neglect by caregiver
- child born drug-addicted
- child with Down's Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- child with serious health issues/abnormalities requiring medical interventions, such as feeding tube, g-button, shunt, catheterization, colostomy, etc.