Eligibility for FCESS

A child and family living in New Hampshire may be eligible for FCESS if their child is experiencing developmental delays or atypical behaviors, has a diagnosed or established condition that has a high probability of resulting in a delay, or is at risk for substantial developmental delays if early supports and services are not provided. There are no income guidelines for FCESS. The following are the eligibility categories for FCESS:

Please know that eligibility determination and development of the IFSP can occur during the same visit.

Next step: Developing the IFSP

Frequently Asked Questions

In the event that your child does not meet the eligibility criteria for FCESS, you will be provided with written notice explaining the findings of the evaluation and recommendations of the team. This will also include the names, addresses and phone numbers of other supports, services and advocacy groups within the community that can help meet the needs of your family. They will also inform you that you have the right to challenge the determination of eligibility results and offer you the steps on how to do this.
FCESS providers are developmental specialist with many different professional backgrounds. FCESS providers often work together providing each other strategies in one domain while providing therapy in another. Their approach is to work with you, the family, to address your child’s developmental needs. FCESS providers are trained to support the whole child. All areas of the child’s development is important. An FCESS provider uses play to build developmental skills.