I have concerns about my infant’s or toddler’s development
If you have concerns about your infant to 3-year-old child’s development, you can start with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician can help you determine your child’s growth and development in the five developmental areas. The five developmental areas:
- Cognitive Development which includes skills needed to understand and process information and make decisions
- Physical Development which includes gross motor skills needed for sitting up, rolling over, crawling and walking as well as fine motor skills needed for chewing and swallowing, grasping, writing, using a paint brush or a spoon, vision and hearing
- Communication Development which includes skills involved in listening, understanding and expressing both verbal and non-verbal language
- Social/Emotional Development which includes skills involved in relating to other people and showing emotions
- Adaptive Development which includes self-help skills such as feeding, toileting, sleeping and accepting change in one’s environment
You can also consider making a referral for Early Intervention Services, which is called Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) in NH.
Next step: Referral
What is Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS)?
Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) is NH’s early intervention program. Early Intervention is a nationwide program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). FCESS is NH’s Part C Program. FCESS serves children birth to age 3 that have a developmental delay, an established condition, are at substantial risk for a developmental delay or have atypical behavior. FCESS is delivered throughout the state through the Area Agency system, administered by the Bureau of Special Medical Services of the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
The goal of FCESS is to support families in helping their children grow and develop, including helping you achieve your own family goals. FCESS services are provided in a child’s natural environment (typically the home or child care setting) by qualified professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and early childhood developmental specialists. The activities your child does and/or enjoys everyday are used to help your child learn. Having fun and building relationships through play is an important part of the services and support that FCESS provides.