Arizona Part C Plan: A Parent's Guide to Early Intervention

Understanding the Arizona Part C Plan

If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child, you may have heard about the Arizona Part C Plan. This is the state's implementation of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Arizona, this program is known as the Arizona Early Intervention Program, or AzEIP. Its purpose is to support families with children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. The goal is to help children catch up or learn new skills during the critical early years of brain development.

AzEIP is not a single clinic or therapy center. Instead, it is a system that connects families with local providers and services. These services are designed to be family-centered, meaning you, as the parent, are an active partner in your child's care. The program is free to families, with funding coming from state and federal sources. This is a huge relief for many families who worry about the cost of early intervention.

As a free matching service, we at Apply for ABA often talk to families who are just starting their early intervention journey. While we specialize in connecting families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers for children with autism, we also know that the Part C system is often the first step. Understanding how AzEIP works can help you get the right support for your child as early as possible.

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Who Is Eligible for the Arizona Part C Plan?

Eligibility for AzEIP is based on two main criteria: age and developmental status. The child must be under 3 years old and have one of the following:

• A diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay. This includes conditions like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or significant hearing or vision loss.
• A developmental delay in one or more of these areas: cognitive, physical (including vision and hearing), communication, social or emotional, and adaptive development.

To determine if your child has a delay, AzEIP uses standardized evaluation tools. The delay must be significant, usually meaning a 50% delay in one area or a 25% delay in two or more areas. However, the exact criteria can vary slightly based on the evaluation. If you have concerns about your child's development, it is always best to ask for an evaluation. The evaluation is free, and it can give you peace of mind.

It is important to note that AzEIP is a voluntary program. As a parent, you have the right to decline services. But if you accept, you will be an integral part of the team that decides what services your child receives.

How to Get Started: The Referral and Evaluation Process

Getting started with AzEIP is straightforward. The first step is to make a referral. You can do this by calling AzEIP directly or contacting your local school district's early intervention office. You can also ask your pediatrician to make a referral. In Arizona, you do not need a doctor's referral to get an evaluation, but it can help.

Once you make a referral, AzEIP has a timeline to follow. They must respond to your referral within a certain number of days. The evaluation must be completed within 45 days of the referral, unless you and the team agree to a different timeline. The evaluation is conducted by a team of professionals, which may include a developmental specialist, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, or a psychologist. They will assess your child's skills in all five developmental areas.

After the evaluation, you will meet with the team to discuss the results. If your child is found eligible, you will then work together to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). If your child is not eligible, the team will provide you with resources and suggestions for monitoring your child's development. Either way, you will leave with useful information.

What to Expect During the Evaluation

The evaluation is not a test your child needs to study for. It is a play-based assessment. The evaluators will observe your child playing, interacting with you, and trying different activities. They may ask you questions about your child's daily routines, like how they eat, sleep, and communicate. Be honest about your concerns. This is your chance to share your observations.

You have the right to have someone with you during the evaluation, such as a family member or an advocate. You also have the right to have the evaluation in your native language or in sign language. AzEIP is required to provide interpreters if needed. The evaluation should feel collaborative, not intimidating.

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Creating Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

If your child is eligible, the next step is to develop the IFSP. This is a written document that outlines your child's strengths and needs, your family's concerns and priorities, and the specific services your child will receive. The IFSP is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.

The IFSP is different from an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that older children receive. The IFSP focuses on the whole family, not just the child. It includes outcomes or goals that are important to you and your child. For example, a goal might be for your child to use three-word phrases to ask for things, or to walk independently to the playground. The plan also lists the services that will help achieve these goals, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or developmental instruction.

Services under the IFSP are provided in natural environments. This means services happen where your child naturally spends time, like your home, a daycare, or a community park. This is a key principle of Part C. It helps your child learn skills in real-world settings, with the people they know best.

Who Is on Your IFSP Team?

Your IFSP team includes you, your child (yes, they are part of the team, even if they are a baby), a service coordinator, and any providers who will work with your child. The service coordinator is your main point of contact. They help you navigate the system, schedule services, and find resources. You can change your service coordinator if you are not comfortable.

You are the most important member of the team. You know your child better than anyone. Your input is essential for creating meaningful goals. If you feel a goal is not important to your family, speak up. The IFSP should reflect your values and daily life.

What Services Does AzEIP Provide?

AzEIP provides a range of services depending on your child's needs. Common services include:

• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Developmental instruction (sometimes called special instruction)
• Assistive technology devices and services
• Audiology and vision services
• Social work services
• Psychological services
• Nursing services
• Transportation to services, if needed

For families of children with autism, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a common need. AzEIP may provide some early intervention services that are ABA-based, but the availability can vary. If your child is diagnosed with autism, you may also want to seek ABA services through your private insurance or AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program). Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy. If you are looking for a vetted, BCBA-led ABA provider, our free matching service at Apply for ABA can help you find one in your area.

It is important to remember that AzEIP services are not meant to replace medical care. They are educational and developmental in nature. Your pediatrician will still be your child's primary care provider.

Costs and Insurance for AzEIP Services

One of the best parts of AzEIP is that services are provided at no cost to families. The program is funded by a combination of federal Part C funds and state funds. You will not receive a bill for the evaluation or for the services listed in your IFSP. This is true regardless of your income or insurance status.

However, AzEIP may ask for your insurance information. They are required to use public and private insurance to pay for services where possible, but this does not affect your family's out-of-pocket costs. You will never have to pay a copay or deductible for AzEIP services. If you have private insurance, AzEIP may bill them for certain services, but you will not be charged. There is also a system to ensure that using your insurance does not exhaust your benefits in a way that harms you.

If your child needs services that are not covered by AzEIP, such as intensive ABA therapy, you may need to look at other funding sources. Many private insurance plans in Arizona cover ABA therapy for autism. AHCCCS also covers ABA for eligible children. Our team at Apply for ABA can help you understand your options and connect you with providers who accept your insurance.

Transitioning Out of AzEIP at Age 3

As your child approaches their third birthday, the IFSP team will begin planning for the transition out of AzEIP. This is called the transition process. The goal is to ensure a smooth move to other services, if needed. The transition planning should start at least 6 months before your child turns 3.

There are a few possible paths after AzEIP:

• Your child may no longer need services and will be discharged.
• Your child may be eligible for special education preschool services through your local school district. This would be under an IEP (Individualized Education Program).
• Your child may continue to need therapy, which you can access through private insurance, AHCCCS, or other community resources.

If your child is eligible for preschool special education, the school district will conduct its own evaluation. You will work with the district to develop an IEP. The transition meeting is a great time to ask questions and learn about your options. Your AzEIP service coordinator will help you with this process.

For families of children with autism, the transition to preschool can be a time to increase ABA services. Many children receive ABA through insurance or Medicaid. If you need help finding a provider, remember that Apply for ABA is here to help you get matched with a vetted, BCBA-led provider.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Arizona Part C Plan

Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of AzEIP:

• Trust your instincts. If you feel something is not right with your child's development, ask for an evaluation. Early intervention works best when started early.
• Write down your questions. Before each meeting, jot down any questions or concerns you have. This ensures you don't forget anything.
• Bring an advocate. You can bring a friend, family member, or professional advocate to meetings. They can take notes and support you.
• Keep a file. Save all paperwork, evaluation reports, and IFSP documents in a binder or folder. This will be useful for future reference.
• Stay involved. Ask your service coordinator for updates on your child's progress. You are the expert on your child.
• Know your rights. You have the right to disagree with the evaluation or the IFSP. There is a dispute resolution process, including mediation and due process hearings.

Navigating any system can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. AzEIP is designed to be family-friendly. And if you need additional support, whether it's for ABA therapy or just understanding your options, our team at Apply for ABA is a free resource to help you find the right services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many parents make a few common mistakes when navigating the Part C system. Here is what to avoid:

• Waiting to make a referral. Some parents worry that their child might just be a late bloomer. But early intervention is most effective when started early. A free evaluation can give you peace of mind.
• Not attending the IFSP meetings. Your input is crucial. If you cannot attend in person, ask for a phone or video conference.
• Not using natural environments. You have the right to request services in your home or community. If a provider suggests a clinic, ask why that is necessary.
• Forgetting to plan for transition. Start the transition conversation early. It is never too soon to think about what happens after age 3.
• Ignoring your own needs. The IFSP is for the whole family. If you need help with resources, like food assistance or housing, tell your service coordinator. They can connect you with community supports.

Avoiding these pitfalls will help you get the most out of AzEIP. Remember, you are your child's best advocate.

Final Thoughts

The Arizona Part C Plan, through AzEIP, is a wonderful resource for families of young children with developmental delays or disabilities. It is free, family-centered, and designed to help children thrive in their natural environments. By understanding how to access the program, what to expect during the evaluation, and how to create a meaningful IFSP, you can be a strong advocate for your child.

If your child is diagnosed with autism or you suspect they might be on the spectrum, early intervention is key. AzEIP can provide a foundation, but you may also want to explore ABA therapy. As a free matching service, Apply for ABA is here to help you find a vetted, BCBA-led provider in Arizona. We can help you navigate insurance and Medicaid coverage, so you can focus on what matters most: your child's growth and happiness.