This course examines the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention system serving infants and toddlers (birth–3) and their families. Part C is designed to improve developmental outcomes, strengthen families, and reduce the need for later special education services. Students of this course explore federal and District of Columbia (DC) policies, including Child Find, screening, eligibility determination, multidisciplinary evaluation, and development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Emphasis is placed on family-centered practices, service coordination, natural environments, and culturally responsive engagement. The course also addresses interagency collaboration, funding systems (including Medicaid), and the transition from Part C to Part B (Section 619). Through applied case studies and policy analysis, students develop skills to support equitable, timely, and high-quality early intervention services within DC’s mixed-delivery system.
- Teacher: Chelsia Latney