Click on each section below for materials and videos that provide in-depth information on Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS), how they work, who is eligible, how to contact the agency that serves your region and questions you may want to ask when calling FCESS.
What is Family Centered Early Supports & Services (FCESS)?
Every child learns and grows at their own pace. Most infants and toddlers will learn the same skills in a predictable pattern called developmental milestones. Some children need extra time and support to get there. Skills like smiling for the first time, taking a few steps and even saying their first words are easier for some than others. NH Birth to 3 Family Centered Early Supports and Services can help you and your family determine what help, if any, your child needs to stay on track.
What are FCESS like?
Providers bring the support to you! Utilizing natural settings like your home, childcare, or places in your community, your Service Provider will help you integrate developmental activities into your everyday routines. We strive for our services to be natural and fun to encourage your child to enjoy practicing new skills. In NH, Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) are delivered by contractual agreements between the Bureau of Developmental Services and designated non-profit and specialized service agencies located throughout the state.
How can my child be referred to FCESS?
Anyone concerned about an infant or toddler’s development, including a parent, may refer to FCESS. Family-centered early supports and services are provided at a child’s home or where a child spends time, like their child care center. In this way, family and caregivers can better participate in supporting the child’s unique developmental goals.
Family-centered early supports and services are provided in all communities throughout NH and can include:
- Family Support, Education, and Counseling
- Vision Services
- Hearing Services
- Health and Nursing Services
- Medical Diagnostic and Evaluation Services
- Nutrition Counseling & Assessment
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Special Equipment
- Special Instruction
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Transportation Services
- Service Coordination
There are 10 Area Agencies, divided into geographical regions throughout New Hampshire, that contract with the NH Bureau of Developmental Services to provide Birth to 3 Early Supports and Services in their respective communities.
This document will help you find the Area Agency that serves your region. Contact information changes often; please visit DHHS’ Family Centered Early Supports & Services page (below) for the most up-to-date contact information.
What are the eligibility criteria for FCESS?
These categories are used to determine if an infant or toddler, birth through two
years of age, has a condition or concern that may make the child eligible. Please use the information as a guide.
33% delay in:
- Physical development (includes vision and hearing)
- Learning (cognitive) delay
- Communication delay
- Social/emotional delay
- Adaptive developmental delay
At risk for a developmental delay. Examples include but are not restricted to:
- Low birth weight (less than 4 lbs.)
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Nutritional problems that interfere with growth and development
- Parents aged less than 18 years
- Atypical Behaviors
- Substance addiction
Established Condition. Examples include but are not restricted to:
- Genetic disorder
- Metabolic disorder
- Sensory Disorder
- Neurological disorder
- Severe attachment disorder
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Tips for families when calling FCESS
Parenting a child can be a challenge. There is a fine balance between hopes and dreams and ups and downs. During the first three years of your child’s life, Early Supports and Services can make a big difference. Beginning early to enhance your child’s development has benefits for you, your child, your family, and your community.
When calling the area agency for information, ask for the Early Supports and Services Intake Coordinator. This person can give you specific information about the process, programs, and how services are delivered in your area of the state.
Questions Parents Might Want To Ask about Early Supports and Services:
- How will service providers working with my child be determined?
- What kind of training/experience does this person have with children who have needs like my child?
- How will my child’s primary care doctor or pediatrician be involved?
- How much of my time, my child’s, or other family members’ time, will it take?
- Is there a fee for the services?
- What testing will be done and why?
- Will my child have individual attention and individual goals?
- Could the services happen at a time and place that is better for our family?
- Are the services flexible? Can changes be made after services begin?
- What type of support is available for myself and other members of my family?
- What are the different ways therapy can be provided for my child?
Link: What to know about NH Birth to 3 Family-Centered Early Supports and Services
Phone: 603-271-3770