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What Services Are Provided by BabyNet?
BabyNet is South Carolina’s interagency early intervention system for children ages 0-3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. It’s a great resource for families who need it, but it can be difficult to navigate if you’re new.
If you believe your child may be eligible and you’re interested in registering for BabyNet, you may be still wondering, “What services does BabyNet even provide?”
Look no further! Below, we’ll walk you through all there is to know about BabyNet services, accessibility, and cost.
What Services Are Provided By BabyNet?
BabyNet provides a lot of services, but each child receives different ones based on their individual needs. Here are a few of the services your child may be eligible to receive through BabyNet:
Early Intervention Service Coordination
The one guaranteed service BabyNet provides to all eligible children is service coordination for early intervention. BabyNet coordinators will help identify any delays and relay them to specialists that are part of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Here in South Carolina, the early interventionist acts as both the service coordinator and the special instructor/family trainer. Early interventionists and service coordinators will also make referrals for any additional services your child may need for evaluations and assist in the transition to preschool services at age 3. Early interventionists will assist families in accessing available community resources based on the needs of each individual child and family.
Family Training and Special Instruction
As a part of early intervention, BabyNet services include family training and special instruction. This includes the early intervention specialist visiting your home or child’s daycare to work one-on-one with you and your child on their developmental skills. A goal is to help you and any other caregivers better understand your child’s developmental delay or disability, and the unique needs that come along with it. By giving you the skills you need to succeed, you’ll be able to enhance your child’s environment for learning and growth even when the early intervention specialist is away.
Other BabyNet Services As Needed
As mentioned previously, BabyNet services can vary because they’re specialized toward each child and their family’s unique situation and needs. Therefore, they may be eligible to receive one or more of the following services:
- Assistive Technology
- Speech, occupational, and/or physical therapy
- Respite services
- Nutrition services
- Nursing services
- Vision or hearing services
- Autism services
How Do I Access BabyNet Services?
If you suspect your child (under three years old) has a developmental delay or disability, they may be eligible for BabyNet services. You can apply through the BabyNet Referral Form, or you can call their Central Referral Team at 1-866-512-8881.
If you aren’t a parent, but you suspect a child you know has a developmental delay or disability, you can refer the child yourself. Anyone from parents to daycare providers to doctors can refer a child for BabyNet services.
After a referral is made, a BabyNet Service Coordinator will reach out to you and determine if your child is indeed eligible. If they are, the service coordinator will help you select and connect with an early intervention service provider in your area.
How Much Will I Pay for BabyNet Services?
Zero dollars! Seriously.
BabyNet is funded and regulated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Therefore, if you live in South Carolina and your child meets all of BabyNet’s eligibility criteria, all BabyNet services listed on your child’s IFSP will be free regardless of your family’s income status.
Looking for early intervention services in South Carolina? About Play is one of the largest providers in the state. We’d love to meet you and your child — give us a call or contact us online today!
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