Here's how to get started.
We know it's challenging enough to help your child grow. That's why we want to make the rest of getting started simple. Whether you're starting with BabyNet or the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, here are your steps to a great start.
Your BabyNet walkthrough
This is the network of state agencies that helps families pay for therapies that a child might need. They identify the children that may have special needs and then provide that child with the services that can help them improve.
Step 1
If you have concerns about your child, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to BabyNet if your child could get help.
Step 2
You can refer your own child to BabyNet. It doesn't have to be a physician referral. So if you're still concerned about your child, don't wait on your doctor.
Step 3
BabyNet will come out and do an assessment on your child, to record what delays (if any) the child shows. They may not do this assessment if your child has already received a diagnosis.
Step 4
BabyNet will determine if your child is eligible, and then you'll be offered a choice of Special Instruction providers in a booklet. You'll find Ahead Start in this booklet.
Step 5
You can then choose us, if you believe we're a good fit for you. Call BabyNet again and say you'd like to work with Ahead Start.
Step 6
BabyNet will email us the referral. Sometimes this can take as long as a week. The Early Interventionist (EI) we've chosen from our team will then contact you within two days—sometimes, even sooner.
Step 7
Your EI will schedule an initial meeting where you can create goals together for your child, and decide what services will be most helpful.
Step 8
Call us at any point when you have questions or concerns.
Your Department of Disabilities & Special Needs walkthrough
This is the agency that covers family training and service coordination. It also identifies whether there are any other programs you or your child qualify for, and covers a person with special needs from birth to death.
Step 1
If you have concerns about your child, you can start by talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably not make the referral, so it will be up to you to move from that point.
Step 2
You can call Ahead Start at any point, and we'll talk you through the process. We can even help you understand whether your child has delays, and what will happen next.
Step 3
We will give you a toll-free number for DDSN where you will leave a message.
Step 4
Someone from DDSN will call you back. This may take a while, so don't worry if you haven't heard back right away. They will do an over-the-phone screening, and then give you a list of agencies you can work with. Ahead Start will be one of those agencies.
Step 5
If you ask for more information, they will forward you to their qualified provider list on the DDSN website. You'll find a generic list of providers there, including Ahead Start.
Step 6
You can choose an agency directly on the phone call, or call back within two days.
Step 7
Once you choose Ahead Start, DDSN will contact us with your referral. This can take up to a week. The Early Interventionist (EI) we've chosen from our team will then contact you within two days—sometimes, even sooner.
Step 8
Your EI will schedule an initial meeting where you can create goals together for your child, and decide what services will be most helpful.
Step 9
Call us at any point when you have questions or concerns.
