The Role of the Service Coordinator

It is the Early Intervention Service Coordinator's job to help the family receive the services and supports needed and to ensure that the family's and child's rights are protected. This service is free to families who qualify for Early Intervention. Service coordination is a process, which continues throughout the time the child is receiving Early Intervention services.

The Service Coordinator serves as a single point of contact for the family and is responsible for coordinating services, which may be delivered by multiple providers. When parents have questions about Early Intervention, they should first call their Service Coordinator. This person should have knowledge of the law and of community resources that may be available to the family.

In particular, it is the role of the Service Coordinator to:

• Assist the parents in obtaining access to services, including making referrals to providers and scheduling appointments;
• Coordinate Early Intervention services and other services (for example, medical or social) that the child may need or may be receiving;
• Coordinate evaluations and assessments;
• Facilitate and participate in the development, review, and evaluation of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs);
• Ensure services are provided in a timely manner;
• Inform families of their rights and procedural safeguards;
• Coordinate the funding sources for Early Intervention services; and
• Facilitate the development of a transition plan to preschool, school, or to other services.