Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

Many people mention that their child receives FREE mommy and me type classes through EI. How does that work? How did you get them? Are they given through your agency? DS' ABA therapist always encourages me to sign him up but she is talking about me paying for like a gymboree class and a therapist going during one of his sessions. However, this is not what it sounds like your child is getting. The only thing my 27 month old was offered was 19 1/2 hours of ABA therapy. He was diagnosed PDD-NOS and is mostly nonverbal (he speaks only with one words with prompting). Do I start pressuring the County or my agency? I want everything DS should be entitled to. I am hesitant to switch agencies as I assume all his therapists would change then too, no?

Help!

Re: Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

Your EIOD (the coordinator) determines what services your ds could get. (the county).

You call your EIOD and ask her/him for an amendment form for your IFSP. You then write what you wish your ds to have and why. So if you are interested in a mommy and me class, you state the reasons and how they would help him achieve his "goals". (socialization, motor planning, language) , then your team leader or pretty much any therapist has to sign off on it.

Look around at the different agencies nearby that have mommy and me classes for EI. In fact, universities also have EI funded programs . (I know Hofstra does). I would then ask the agency that is running the class for help in what you could say in the amendment form. If the class is held at a location that provides EI services, usually that class can easily be included in the IFSP. Large agencies like NYTPS, have these type of classes. They are usually designed and run by SLPs and OTs. You mail the form back to the EIOD, he/she signs off on it. and then you have to add the class to your ds's calendar, and then it can start.

You can get horseback riding for OT as well at approved facilities.

You can have multiple agencies providing services for your ds. You don't have to change anything that is already in place.

Re: Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

You might even want to call some of the special ed preschools - some of them do have mommy and me programs for EI.

Your service provider would have to approve it for billing, but if you knew a certain school has an opening, and had someone at the school helping you, you might get it approved faster.

Message edited 2/3/2012 10:05:30 AM.

Re: Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

I Know in the past I used an agency that offered in house services but no group services which made me switch to a special ed preschool. If I didn't use a preschool agency I wouldn't have gotten an additional 2 hour toddler class (which includes both typical and on spectrum toddlers) to help improve his social side as well following more direction from teachers. It's so important for him and I'm so happy he has that as well as aba and speech therapies at home and in school too.

I personally would think of switching if you can to a special ed preschool. When I left the first agency they were upset but understood why of course and I believe they were currently working on setting up their own group class.

Re: Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

Re: Ok...who do I talk to about getting DS a social skills class?

Yes, I had therapists from multiple agencies on my dd's team. The only downfall for the family is that the therapists can't do makeups for each other if they are from a different agency. If they are all from the same agency they can if needed.