Families, day care programs, preschool, friends, physicians and any community agency can begin the referral process for any infant, toddler, or preschooler who has or is suspected of having problems. Trained staff complete observations, conduct diagnostic evaluations and gather information from parents. All initial evaluations are made with the knowledge and signed consent of the child's parent.
Parents are a part of the evaluation and eligibility process.
In 1983, the Oregon Legislature established as state policy the provision of early intervention services to all children with substantial disabilities from birth to school age. Services included classroom activities, parent education, transportation to programs, and other ancillary services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. At that time, Oregon came into compliance with federal Public Law 99-457 by providing mandated early intervention special education services to eligible children three years to kindergarten age. Early intervention services continued to be provided for children with severe disabilities birth through two years within available funding. Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Services are designed, in collaboration with families, to assist children with disabilities.