What to do when waiting for the appointment?

 Your child has many strengths and a supportive family. Together, we want your child to have what they need to learn and grow.

If your child is under 3 years of age:
Contact your early evaluation program. In Billings this is Early Childhood Education (ECI) at 406-281-5885. You can find your early intervention agency at https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/childcare/montanamilestones .They will send a representative to evaluate your child at your home or somewhere else you choose. If the child qualifies for early intervention, they will provide early intervention services for free. 

We have several Early Head Start locations as well – please see community resources, educational resources

If your child is over 3 years of age (ages 3-5):
You should have them screened through their school district. Most school districts in Montana have a “child find” process where they screen children for developmental delays. Call your local elementary school for information. If they qualify for developmental preschool services then your child can attend the school district’s preschool for free on an individual education plan (IEP).

Therapy:
In addition to the above, you can talk to your medical provider about referrals to local physical, speech or occupational therapists.

— Physical Therapist: addresses delays in head control, sitting, walking, running, jumping, kicking, or climbing.

— Occupational Therapist:  addresses delays in fine motor skills, feeding, self-care, sensory, and executive functioning. 

— Speech and Language Pathologist:  addresses delays in communication such as understanding and making speech sounds, words, having conversations; as well as feeding problems. 

 Tips and Additional Resources

—Connect with early education professionals (eg, your childcare providers, teachers, home visitors) for feedback on your child’s development.

—Visit your local library for a reading hour or to choose books to read with your child.

—Use the Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) milestone tracker app for tips and activities along with milestone checklists: https://www.cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker

—Visit HealthyChildren.org for information on how to support your child’s development: https://healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/pages/default.aspx

—Use tip sheets from Read Talk Sing: https://www.ed.gov/early-learning/talk-read-sing.
—Check out the Billings Special Needs Facebook Page for information about local happenings and connection to other parents of children with special needs.