1. A rigorous definition of the term 'developmental delay'
2. Appropriate early intervention services based on scientifically based research, to the extent practicable, are available to all infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, including Indian and homeless infants and toddlers
3. Timely and comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation of needs of children and family-directed identification of the needs of each family
4. Individualized family service plan and service coordination
5. Comprehensive child find and referral system
6. Public awareness program including the preparation and dissemination of information to be given to parents, and disseminating such information to parents
7. Central directory of services, resources, and research and demonstration projects
8. Comprehensive system of personnel development, including the training of paraprofessionals and the training of primary referral sources
9. Policies and procedures to ensure that personnel are appropriately and adequatelyprepared and trained

Single line of authority in a lead agency designated or established by the governor forcarrying out:

a. General administration and supervision
b. Identification and coordination of all available resources
c. Assignment of financial responsibility to the appropriate agencies
d. Development of procedures to ensure that services are provided in a timelymanner pending resolution of any disputes
e. Resolution of intra- and interagency disputes
f. Development of formal interagency agreements


1. Policy pertaining to contracting or otherwise arranging for services
2. Procedure for securing timely reimbursement of funds
3. Procedural safeguards
4. System for compiling data on the early intervention system
5. State interagency coordinating council
6. Policies and procedures to ensure that to the maximum extent appropriate, earlyintervention services are provided in natural environments except when early intervention cannot be achieved satisfactorily in a natural environment

Note: Adapted from 20 U.S.C. §1435(a).

See also:
     Part C Updates