The North Dakota Early Intervention Program in the state’s Health and Human Services agency has received a third year of funding from the federal Department of Education to continue work strengthening early intervention services for children with developmental delays.
North Dakota was one of only six states to be awarded a grant under the federal agency’s Leadership Professional Development Grant Programs. Funding is intended to be used to improve early intervention services and to support the professional development of individuals who work with infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
Over the past two years with grant funding support, North Dakota’s Resilient Early Intervention Leadership (REIL) project has provided professional development opportunities for 100 early childhood partners, including parents and professionals across the state. Individuals participated in a webinar series on resilience, which included leadership training and peer mentoring. Initial funding also paid for 18 individuals to complete an Early Intervention Leadership Certificate through the University of North Dakota and supported the creation of two work groups focused on developing early intervention staff knowledge and competencies and implementing REIL grant activities.
The new grant funding will help 18 more individuals earn leadership certificates and will help sustain the work groups.
Last year in North Dakota, the Early Intervention Program served 2,978 children and families. This program helps identify infants and young children, from birth to a child’s third birthday, who have developmental delays. Receiving the right help early can make all the difference.
Developmental assessments and evaluations are provided at no cost to families. If a child qualifies, a service plan is developed with parents to help meet the unique needs of the child and family. Plans may include ongoing home visits, consultations and parent coaching.
To learn more, visit www.hhs.nd.gov/early-childhood-services/early-intervention or contact a regional human service center and ask to talk to the developmental disabilities team.