How can i continue speech therapy for a child aging out of early intervention in NY state?

Question

my 2 1/2 year old has a speech delay and has been getting early intervention speech therapy for the problem. This is his only delay. Come May, he ages out of early intervention and will no longer be provided with speech therapy through them. We tried to get him into the school system, but they need a 33% delay to continue speech therapy with them... He has a 30%delay. I fear that any progress he has made will vanish if this therapy lessons are cancelled. He's a smart boy. I just really need some help here. If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. Thanks

Answer 1

Try getting a 504 Plan.  A 504 Plan is similar to an IFSP/IEP in that it is a formal plan that spells out what your child needs.  It is legally enforceable, and holds staff accountable for reaching his goals, but can be used when a child does not meet minimum standards for special education.   I agree, you don't want your son to backslide on the progress he has made, so get him into a 504 Plan.

Answer 2

talk with your speech therapist now and get her suggestions - she can give you exercises and ideas of how you can continue at home.  Check with your local hospital too - our hospital offers speech therapy for any child - some of our preschoolers go there and some go to the public school.  Don't give up!

Answer 3

How often can you apply? It sounds like if he is out of his services for a little while, he may lose enough progress to qualify for the school system's program.  I know that sounds bad, but maybe he can take the summer off and apply in the Fall. Also, hopefully you can ask his current provider to give you somethings you can work on with him at home until he can qualify for services again.

Answer 4

A 504 is a reasonable plan, but the law does not require that school districts participate in the program. Maybe your health insurance will pick up the tab, but not all do. You may have to wait a few months and see if the other three points are made up by the increase in age.

Answer 5

You can check with your insurance company to see if they can pay for private speech therapy.  If not you could pay out of pocket.  That can be expensive though.  If these are not an option you can get your son's speech checked again through your school district every 6 months.  This is free of charge (In New York anyhow) as your school taxes are paying for this.  This hopefully will give you peace of mind that your son is progressing as anticipated.

Answer 6

The best bet for kids who don't qualify for school-based therapy are university-based clinics where speech pathology students do their required clinical practice. Not only will your child get cutting-edge treatment, but it will also be at a low cost.

Look up the "Communicative Disorders" department.

Answer 7

Wow...that's tough.  I might consider going to an educational psychologist and explaining the situation.  Many of these folks are used to working the system to help their patients through the schools.  Another idea is to see if any of the eps in your area offer "financial aid."  This might be difficult if sppech is his only delay, because many of these financial aid incentives involve other issues like autism or sensory problems.