NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has implemented its Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) Extended Option, allowing families the choice of their child receiving critical early intervention services beyond the age of 3.
The program offers therapy and additional services for free to infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Before the extended option was implemented, TEIS would provide these services until the age of 3. Now, children enrolled in the program who turn 3 on or after October 15 will have the choice to continue receiving the services up to the start of the school year following their child’s 4th birthday.
“Early intervention is critical to the development of Tennessee children with disabilities and developmental delays as they prepare for school and ultimately adulthood,” said DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner. “By extending these services during the important developmental years, we’re ensuring they have a chance for lifelong success.”
Twenty-two-year-old Samantha Joubert credits the program for helping her 2-year-old daughter Rylee grow. She'll be 3 in November.
Rylee was born at 35 weeks and eventually diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome
Her conditions make it so she can’t run, jump, or even swallow. She uses a feeding tube to get her nutrients.
Also, because she gets sick so easily, she hasn’t even been to a real birthday party.
"She’s never been to one because it’s not a risk I’m willing to take because if she was to get sick, we have to do all these steps with the pediatrician, hospitals, oxygen because with DiGeorge syndrome oxygen is a problem. Her heart is a problem," Samantha Joubert said.
Rylee is very smart and is growing every single day.
Samantha credits Rylee’s growth to the TEIS. In Rylee’s case, a nurse will visit her twice a month to work on goals, like improving her speech.
"Rylee can count to like 15 now, which, a few months ago she wasn’t even talking," Samantha said.
Samantha is thankful her daughter gets to stay with the program for at least another year thanks to the extension.
"Everybody says things happen for a reason and I was actually going to do military. I ended up getting pregnant with her that was just my calling," Samantha said.
For more information on the program and to find out if your child is eligible, click here.
