Delaware Code Title 16. Health and Safety § 806A. Provision of early intervention services and follow-up care

The lead agency or its designee shall ensure that hearing loss is diagnosed by 3 months of age, or earlier, and infants with confirmed hearing loss receive comprehensive early intervention services by 6 months of age, or earlier.

(1) The lead agency shall refer all children with any degree of diagnosed hearing loss, whether a measurable delay is present, to determine if they are eligible under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) [20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.] by virtue of their diagnosis.

(2) Professionals involved in the care and treatment of the newborns, infants, and children must document all early intervention, follow-up, and treatment services, including but not limited to further diagnoses, recommendations, observations, test results, and referrals, in order to reduce the number of newborns, infants, and children lost to follow-up.

(3) Early intervention services shall be provided by individuals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to address the ongoing assessment, implementation, and evaluation of services that support families and promote child development.

(4) Family-centered services may be provided in a variety of different settings, including the home, school, community centers, daycare center, hospital or clinic, depending on the needs of the child, family, and availability of resources in the community.

(5) Lack of resources may not be the basis for denial of services.