Module One: Lesson One

What are the Minimum Components of Part C?

Part C contains many requirements states have to meet, including specific minimum components of a comprehensive statewide early intervention system. States have some discretion in setting the criteria for child eligibility, including whether or not to serve at-risk children. As a result, eligibility definitions differ significantly from state to state. States also differ concerning which state agency has been designated "lead agency" for the Part C program. In fact, statewide early intervention systems differ in many ways from state to state. However, the following minimum components under IDEA for a statewide, comprehensive system of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with special needs are consistent across all participating states:

• Definition of developmental delay
• Timetable for ensuring appropriate services to all eligible children
• Timely and comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation of needs of children and family-directed identification of the needs of each family
• Individualized family service plan and service coordination
• Comprehensive child find and referral system
• Public awareness program
• Central directory of services, resources, and research and demonstration projects
• Comprehensive system of personnel development
• Policies and procedures for personnel standards
• Single line of authority in a lead agency designated or established by the governor

The next section defines Florida's eligibility guidelines. Lesson Two of this module discusses in detail several of the other minimal components of Part C.

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