South Carolina
Early Intervention Services
South Carolina's Early Intervention Specialists
Connecting You with Caring Child Development Services
Is your child eligible for South Carolina BabyNet Services (Birth to 36 months) or South Carolina Disabilities and Special Needs Services (36-60 months)? If not, contact us to learn how to become eligible. Once eligible, free services begin.
The first service that all families must have in place is service coordination (case management). In addition to this, fifteen other services like physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family training are also available. Yes, it is all free regardless of income.
Our Services
PlayWorks, Inc. directly offers service coordinating and family training. These two services are handled by the same staff member. We offer your family choices of therapy providers and coordinate that for you.
Service Coordination
- Develops a plan with you based on your needs for your child
- Makes referrals based your child and family needs
- Grows your support team
- Authorizes payment for services so no out-of-pocket-fees are billed to you
- Ensures that services are provided where your child lives or naturally spends time
- Plans with your entire team to maximize your child’s services
- Assists your family in other needed services (ex: childcare assistance, home equipment)
Family Training
- Weekly family/caregiver sessions that are playful and designed to teach ideas to enhance healthy growth and development for your child
- Provided in-home or at childcare settings
- Focused on cognitive and social-emotional skills
- Conducts periodic assessments to show progress and plans next steps
- Provided by a S.C. BabyNet Credentialed Early Interventionist
- Naturally works with you and your child to reach developmental milestone goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be eligible?
If your child is under the age of 3, this question can be answered by going through the BabyNet eligibility process or the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs at Risk Program if your child is over 3 years old. A simple way to get more understanding is to reach out to us and let us guide you through your questions and assist you in completing the eligibility process.
What services can I receive for my child and family?
The services that your child receives are determined by your program eligibility, parent/guardian, the team of professionals you want involved and your case manager. Services may include any of the following:
- Service Coordination
- Special Instruction
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Audiology
- Vision Services
- Family Training
- Counseling
- Nutrition services
- Health Services
- Medical services (for evaluation services
purposes only) - Assistive Technology Devices
- Transportation
- Nursing services
- Psychological services
- Social Work
Where can my services be provided?
When appropriate, services should always be provided in your child’s natural environment. Natural environments are where your child spends time. Examples include, in your home, in a childcare classroom, with sitters or even at a park.
Who pays for services?
As a federally mandated program, the program and services are covered regardless of your income level. BabyNet is an interagency system responsible for the delivery of early intervention services to children and their families. Early Intervention services
provided through BabyNet are provided at no cost to eligible children and can be provided in several ways:
- Federal-Part C of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Private insurance without co-pays
- Medicaid
SCDDSN is a state funded agency and services are covered by state funds and/or Medicaid.
How do I apply?
You have a few options in applying for services:
- Take our online quiz and we will reach out to you to answer more questions and even
make the referral for you. - Visit babynet.scdhhs.gov/prebabynet
- Call the BabyNet Referral Line at 1-866-512-8881
- For children 3 years or slightly under, contact SCDDSN at 1-800-289-7012
What is Family Training/Special Instruction?
Family Training, also referred to as Special Instruction, is a service that focuses on promoting caregiver child interactions through play. By learning and practicing in these strategies, you will enhance your child’s development as you move through routines of everyday life. You can think of this service as a personal coach to guide you as you work together to maximize your child’s learning. This service will provide you with weekly developmental sessions in your home or in the natural environment of your choice. As you play with your child during these sessions, we work together to expand these learning opportunities using what all children desire, play and love.
What is Service Coordination?
The simple answer to this question is that service coordination keeps the ball rolling. From helping you develop a plan of outcomes that are important to you and your family, select developmental therapies, securing therapies and other services, authorizing payments for these services and monitoring your satisfaction of the program services. Service Coordinators have a wealth of knowledge to assist you in your journey as a parent/caregiver. Your Service Coordinator is your advocate and assistant throughout program participation.
Why should I take advantage of free services available to my child and family?
Early Childhood Development is critical to the future outcome of your child’s success. Science shows us that engaging in the early years plays a determining role in how your child’s brain receives and responds to information. To explore more, visit: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/guide/what-is-early-childhood-development-a-guide-to-the-science/
Providing Early Intervention Services throughout South Carolina
Service Area
Upstate:
- Abbeville
- Anderson
- Greenville
- Greenwood
- Laurens
- Pickens
- Spartanburg
Lowcountry:
- Georgetown
- Horry
