EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

My friend was just told that its NOT FREE, is this true ?

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

I'm under the impression that ALL EI services through your school district are free. Contact your local school district.

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

hi! i live in NJ, and i'm a speech therapist. i did one of my interships in EI.
that was about 3-4 years ago, and as of then, they were just starting to talk about charging a SMALL fee for EI services from 0-3. i beleive it was going to be based on income, etc.
BUT... if the child still needs services once they turn 3, the local public school district is responsible. most schools now have a preschool program, for kids who still need services from ages 3-5. that is free and part of the public school system. once they're 5 and in kindergarten the regular school process takes over.

Message edited 11/12/2007 2:51:40 PM.

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

I believe it's on a sliding scale based on your income. I think you may be able to use your health insurance towards the cost, but I'm not sure. After 3 it's definitely covered by the school district.

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

I teach special ed in NYC and so I don't know anything about New Jersey ---

But if it isn't free then that's about one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

Investing money in a child early on is so much better and so much more sucessful then waiting until school age.

I can't believe that. It makes me angry.

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

Early intervention is a federal program in all states it should be free

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

thanks for the responses, ladies!

Im going to help her research this further also.

thanks!!!

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

I think it's ridiculous as well and I was shocked when I moved to NJ and first heard of this. Here's a link I found for you NJ EI

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

i just looked online, and it looks like its about $5 per hour of therapy. so its very minimal, and its adjusted based on the family's income.

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)

My son received services through EI in NJ - it is NOT free. It used to be a set monthly rate - I think I paid around $68 per month. But they recently changed it so that you have to pay hourly based on your income level. My son has autism and gets a LOT of therapy - I ended up having to pay close to $400 per month. Once he turned 3 it all went through the school and there is no cost at all (unless you get outside private therapy).

Re: EARLY INTERVENTION IN NEW JERSEY ?? (FREE OR NO?)