Bill > S0247

This bill transfers jurisdiction of Rhode Island's Early Intervention program for developmentally disabled infants from the Department of Human Services to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), with several significant changes. The bill aims to improve services for children with developmental delays by creating a more flexible approach to early intervention, specifically allowing children to remain in the program beyond their third birthday. Starting in July 2025, EOHHS will develop a plan to extend early intervention services, with a phased implementation that will ultimately allow eligible children to remain in the program until the September following their third birthday. The proposed changes are supported by legislative findings that highlight the benefits of early intervention, including improved educational outcomes and developmental progress. The bill references federal regulations (specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA) and notes that six other states and Washington D.C. have already implemented similar service extension policies. Throughout the bill, references to the "director of the department of human services" are replaced with "secretary of EOHHS," signaling the administrative transfer and emphasizing the program's new organizational home. The goal is to create a more continuous and supportive service model for young children with developmental challenges, reducing potential gaps in critical early childhood services.

Education

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