Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, there are online developmental screening tools available to you. You can use the Oregon Screening Project for a free, online screening. You can also call the Douglas County Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education program at (541) 440-4794. Staff are happy to answer your questions and schedule an evaluation at no cost to you.

You can use the Oregon Screening Project for a free, online screening. This tool, developed by the Early Intervention Program at the University of Oregon, helps parents assess their child’s early development.

Evaluations and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Educations services are free to parents across the State of Oregon. The State or Oregon allows Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education programs the ability to bill Medicaid for students with parent consent. Medicaid funds provide additional funding to support Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Educations programs in your County.

An evaluation determines if your child has a developmental delay or disability and whether they are eligible for early intervention services. An assessment gathers detailed information about your child's strengths and needs to plan appropriate services.

Parents and caregivers should monitor their child's progress in areas such as learning, moving, talking, socializing, and self-help skills. If you notice delays or have concerns, it's important to seek an evaluation to determine if early intervention services are needed.

Families play a crucial role in early intervention. Your insights and participation help shape the evaluation and the development of individualized plans that support your child's growth.

Parent Information & Resources

Yes, if your child is found eligible in the State of Oregon and you move from Douglas County to another county within Oregon, your child will continue to be eligible and receive Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education services. If your child is eligible, and you are moving within Oregon, you can ask your child’s service coordinator or call our office at (541) 440-4794 for contact information in the county where you will be relocating.

Yes, early intervention services are available across the United States. Each state has programs to support young children with developmental delays or disabilities. In Oregon, these services are coordinated through local education agencies.

USAGov

Yes, if your child has a current eligibility, your child is guaranteed a free and appropriate education. The year before your child transitions to kindergarten, your service coordinator and multi-disciplinary team will begin the transition to kindergarten process with you. The Early Childhood Special Education programs meet with all 13 school districts in Douglas County. At that time, information will be shared with your child’s neighborhood school district about your child’s strengths and identified educational needs. If your child has met all of their educational goals, or if your child’s eligibility will expire prior to transitioning to kindergarten, your child will be re-evaluated at no cost to you. Your child’s eligibility is good for 3 years and can transition with your child into kindergarten. Your team will support you throughout the kindergarten transition process and will attend school planning meets with you.

Early intervention services are designed for children from birth to age 3, focusing on developmental support during the earliest years. Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) serves children ages 3 to 5, preparing them for school readiness and continued development.

Oregon has created a comprehensive guide to parents rights in EI and ECSE: Oregon Department of Education : Notice of Procedural Safeguards : Rules & Policies : State of Oregon