ASK an Expert: Early Childhood Support: Medical vs. Educational Models Explained
Confused about the different service options available when parents have concerns about their young child’s development? Navigating support for young children can feel overwhelming. Families often have questions about Early ACCESS (early intervention) and medical services, including which services are right for their child, how to get started, and what to expect as their child grows.
Join ASK Resource Center’s Early Childhood and Outreach Coordinator, Jill Stevenson, for a webinar that explains these two systems. Participants will learn the key differences between Early ACCESS and medical services, including how Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) compare to medical plans of care, how services are paid for, and how service coordination works. The session will also cover who is eligible for each service, how referrals happen, and what changes when a child turns three.
This webinar is designed for families and includes time to ask questions. Whether your child is just starting services or preparing to move into preschool supports, this session will help you feel informed, confident, and ready to advocate for your child.
Participants will:
✅ Understand the differences between Early ACCESS and medical services, including Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) versus medical plans of care, funding sources, and service coordination.
✅ Identify eligibility criteria and referral pathways for both Early ACCESS and medical services.
✅ Describe the transition process at age three, including changes in services, supports, and family involvement.
Join us April 20th from noon to 1 pm.
Register Here
Speaker:
Jill Stevenson is the Early Childhood and Outreach Coordinator for ASK Resource Center, serving families across Iowa. Jill has experience working as a paraprofessional, Service Coordinator, and Behavioral Health Intervention Service (BHIS) provider. Her biggest driving force, though, is her son, who has autism. Jill strives to help other families with children with complex needs and provide information to help them succeed. Her variety of experiences in educational and mental health settings is a great resource to the families she serves.