Building Partnerships to Support Families in Early Intervention Nebraska Part C with PTI Nebraska
Nebraska Early Intervention Program Birth mandate state since 1978 Part C is co-led by the Nebraska Departments of Education and Health and Human Services Family Partner position began from inception of state Part C program
Nebraska Early Intervention Program cont. PTI Nebraska has had a contract with Part C for the Family Partner position since 1994 (15 years) Position has grown from part time to full time In 2003, the Co-Leads added an additional part time Family Partner position through the Nebraska University Center on Disabilities
Family Partner Responsibilities Active Co-Lead team member Assist in the development in Part C policies and procedures to provide the family perspective Assist in the development and review of the SPP/APR Liaison between families and early intervention agencies
Family Partner Responsibilities Support families on local and state ICC Provide training and support for family leadership Provide families with information to make informed decisions
Family Partner Responsibilities Encourage families to advocate for their children Assist families to be effective IFSP team members Support families in understanding and completing the annual outcomes survey
Reasons for Contracting with PTI PTI is a parent-run organization Long relationship with PTI and various contracts not only with Part C, but also Part B Involved in state and national programs/agencies that impact the lives of families
Continuation Outreach to underserved populations Access to parent-friendly multicultural materials and resources Provides state wide TA to families PTI staff are parents of children with disabilities PTI staff are knowledgeable regarding federal and state regulations
Looking Ahead ARRA Funds used to support Native American family leadership and Building leadership skills among the local ICC family representatives. Local ICC Guide Book Part C family friendly procedural safeguards handbook
Contact Information Nebraska Early Development Network website: www.edn.ne.gov Connie Shockley cshockley@pti-nebraska.org Mark Smith msmitha@unmc.edu Joan Luebbers joan.luebbers@nebraska.gov Amy Bunnell Amy.bunnell@nebraska.gov