WHO WE HELP
Services Coordinators are an Integral Part
of the EI Team
PathWays Early Intervention (EI) Therapists work closely with each child’s IFSP Team, including families, caregivers, and Service Coordinators, to give each child the best possible start. EI promotes collaboration among parents, service providers, and other important people in the child’s life to enhance the child’s development and support the needs of the family. PathWays has a highly experienced team of EI professionals available to support children and families in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. Our EI supports and services are embedded in typical routines and activities, within the family, community, and/or early care and education settings. This approach provides frequent, meaningful practice and skill building opportunities.
Service Coordinator Roles & Responsibilities
It is the EI 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 EI. Service coordination is a process, which continues throughout the time the child is receiving EI 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 EI, they should first call their Service Coordinator. This person has 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 EI services and other services (for example, medical or social) that the child may need
- 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 EI services
- Facilitate the development of a transition plan to preschool, school, or to other services
