Who, What, & Where? The Differences Between EI, RRT, IECMH, and IBHS

Early Intervention (EI)

 

WHO:

Eligible children ages 0–5 (age of beginners or age of beginning K-12 school). Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary evaluation.

WHAT:

• Parent/guardian must provide written permission.
• Services are no cost to the family under Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) Part B and Part C.
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) (IFSP for Infant/Toddler EI) or Individualized Education Program (IEP for Preschool EI) is created to outline the child’s goals and services.
• The amount, frequency, and type of services (Developmental Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, etc.) varies based on each child’s individual situation.
• Services are delivered using a coaching model in partnership with families, caregivers, and teachers.

WHERE:

Home, early learning program, child care, preschool, and/or familiar community setting.

Rapid Response Team (RRT)

 

WHO:

Children enrolled in licensed early care and education programs in Allegheny County. Additional regions across the state are also developing their own Rapid Response Teams.

WHAT:

• Services are no cost and are facilitated by the Early Learning Resource Center Region 5 (ELRC 5) in Allegheny County.
• Support is provided to child care programs on developmentally appropriate practices and classroom-wide positive behavior support.
• Child-specific support may be provided when a child is at risk of suspension or expulsion. The parent/guardian must provide consent for a child specific referral.
• RRT can provide consultation and coaching to programs with the goal of phasing out support as programs build their capacity. RRT is not intended to be a long-term service.

WHERE:

RRT works within licensed early care and education programs and responds within 48 hours.

Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH)

 

WHO:

Children ages birth–5 who attend licensed early care and education programs in PA.

WHAT:

• The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) funds IECMH statewide.
• IECMH consultation is a no-cost resource for licensed programs.
• IECMH supports social-emotional development from birth through age 5.
• IECMH strengthens the capacity of the early learning workforce. Services can include the creation of an action plan as well as professional development training.
• A parent/guardian release form is required for child-specific referrals.

WHERE:

IECMH works within licensed early care and education programs in PA.

Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

Note: formerly known as BHRS and/or wraparound services (TSS, BSC)

WHO:

For children and youth under age 21 with mental, emotional, or behavioral health needs, as documented by a licensed professional with a Promise ID.

WHAT:

• IBHS requires a written order from a qualified licensed professional, such as physician or psychologist with Promise ID.
• IBHS services are billed under Medical Assitance (MA). Learn more about Medical Assistance.
• IBHS may include individual services (1:1) such as behavior consultation, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, and/or group services.
• Written orders are valid for 12 months and include the number of hours for the services (sometimes up to 30 hours per week).
• IBHS completes an assessment of the child to understand strengths and needs before developing an individual treatment plan. Services are then provided by a professional who is at minimum a Master’s-level clinician. The service team may also include a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) for individual services or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for ABA services.

WHERE:

The written order must include the location(s) where services can be provided, such as home, school, or community setting.