3-5 referrals

Why do so many 3-5 referrals come during the month of May? And will referrals continue to come during June, July, and August?

As you recall, the agency sent out a memo that FIE's should not be signed after April 1, in order to ensure completion of the eligibility process prior to staff leaving for the summer.

This process leaves a "gap" in services for young children. If a child is referred in May, it is likely that no services will occur before September. That is 4-5 months of "waiting."

I will continue to forward the referrals that are submitted to our agency. I would ask that you contact the parents, mail an ASQ or complete it over the phone. Please discuss the importance of the child attending a preschool in the fall and help make appropriate contacts to a district or Head Start placement. In some cases, it may be appropriate to refer to Child Health Specialty Clinic in Ft.Dodge, Spencer, or Mason City.

Recently I attended a meeting in Ft. Dodge and was informed that Catholic Social Services provides "trauma cognitive behavior therapy" to little ones. Private insurance and medicaid are billed for services.

Berry Hill, Center for Mental Health in Ft. Dodge has recently hired 2 therapist for "parent child interaction therapy." Within the next couple of months they will be taking appointments for young children as well.

Summer is a time when you must know your community resources!