Does my child need BabyNet?

Young children learn and develop differently. One baby may walk earlier than another, while another baby might talk first. Often, these differences will even out. But, some children will need extra help.
Look for signs that your infant or toddler might need extra help. If you suspect your child may have a problem, the earlier you get help, the better. Early intervention makes a difference!

If you have concerns about your infant or toddlers development, please call the DHEC Care Line at (800) 868-0404. BabyNet will evaluate your child at no cost to determine if your child may be eligible for services.

Who is eligible for BabyNet?

Any child up to three years of age may be eligible for BabyNet services if the child is not reaching age appropriate milestones in one or more areas of development (e.g., communication, self-help, motor skills, social-emotional, cognition, physical). Physical development includes vision and hearing.

Is diagnosed with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition that has a high likelihood of resulting in a developmental delay.

How can I refer my child to BabyNet?

Anyone (a parent, doctor, caregiver, teacher or friend) can make a referral by calling the DHEC Care Line at (800) 868-0404 and asking for the BabyNet Office serving a particular county.

What happens after the referral?

A BabyNet Intake Coordinator will contact the parent(s) and arrange to meet them in order to further explain the BabyNet System and obtain consent to evaluate the child to determine eligibility for BabyNet. The evaluation will focus on specific areas of child development, including areas related to language, motor skills, social-emotional, self-help and cognitive skills. Your child’s eligibility will be determined by a multidisciplinary team consisting of at least two disciplines. You will have an opportunity to provide input into this decision through a family interview process.

If your child is eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is written based upon the needs of your child and family.

Who provides BabyNet services?

BabyNet services are provided by contracted providers and various state agencies. A variety of providers are available to provide early intervention services. All providers meet the qualifications and training requirements established by BabyNet in accordance with IDEA.. A list of BabyNet providers is available through your local BabyNet Office.

Where and how are services provided?

BabyNet serves the child and family in what are called "natural environments". These environments are part of the family's typical daily routines, activities, and places (i.e., family homes, childcare centers, community play groups or libraries, etc.). Everyday routines, activities, and places are unique to each child and family and are identified by the family as they talk about their typical daily activities, such as visiting grandpa, walking to the store, getting the mail, feeding the dog, and doing the laundry. These typical activities are the child’s opportunities for learning and adults’ opportunities for enhancing the child’s development.

Who pays for BabyNet services?

There are no direct costs for most BabyNet services. However, families are required to access their private insurance and Medicaid for payment of services. Families do not bear the cost of insurance co-payments and deductibles for BabyNet early intervention services.

What services are provided?

Based upon the individual needs of each child as determined by the child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, BabyNet services may include: