"Where do I start?"- Early Intervention and Evaluation
If you are worried about how your child is talking, moving, playing, or connecting with others, you don't need an official diagnosis to get support/help. In Tennessee, any parent can ask for a free evaluation without a doctor's referral!
For Children Under 3: TEIS (Tennessee's Early Intervention System)
- What is TEIS?: TEIS is a free program for infants and toddlers that may have a developmental delay/disability. Services happen at home or in the community, alongside your family! Not in a clinic and your child isn't left alone with a service provider!
- Who is TEIS for?: A child may qualify for TEIS if they have already been diagnosed with a condition on the program's disability list (link to website), were born prematurely/meet prematurity guidelines, or show delays in areas of development (Ex: walking and talking).
You don't need to know exactly which of these apply to your child! Anyone can make a referral, even if you're simply just unsure.
- Cost?: Nothing. The evaluation is completely free. If your child qualifies for services, they are free or low-cost, regardless of income or insurance status.
To request an evaluation, call TEIS directly at (800) 852-7157.
- What happens after the call?: A service coordinator will reach out to schedule a developmental evaluation. If your child qualifies, you and the coordinator will build an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) together, which is essentially a written plan based on your family's daily routines and goals, listing what services your child will get and how often.
What happens at age 3? (This trips up a lot of families- read this before your child turns 3)
Turning 3 doesn't mean TEIS ends and school automatically begins. You actually have a choice!
Option 1: Move into preschool special education (most common path)
If your child will keep receiving services through the school system, TEIS is required to notify your local school district between 9 months and 90 days before your child's 3rd birthday, so the district can prepare. Your TEIS service coordinator will then set up a transition IEP meeting before your child turns 3.
If you choose this option, an IEP (Individualized Education Program) must be written and started by your child's 3rd birthday- NOT SOMETIME AFTER. Districts are held to this deadline, so don't be afraid to ask questions if a meeting hasn't been scheduled as the birthday approaches.
At this meeting, you'll talk about:
1. Whether your child qualifies for preschool special education (ages 3–5).
2. LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)- where your child will spend their time in a
classroom, which looks different for every child.
3. The move from an IFSP to an IEP- a more school-centered plan.
Completing school paperwork registration early (which many schools now do online) can speed up this process.
Option 2: Stay in TEIS past age 3 (TEIS Extended Option)
Many parents don't know this exists, but Tennessee actually lets families choose to keep their child in TEIS past age 3 till the school year following their child's 5th birthday.
Some families prefer to stay in the TEIS model, while others like to move into the school system as soon as possible. Ask your TEIS service coordinator about which option is best for your child and what a TEIS extended option would look like.
For children already 3-5 and not in TEIS:
If your child is already past age 3, TEIS isn't the pathway, but you still don't need a diagnosis to ask for help. Every Tennessee school district is required to identify and evaluate children ages 3-22 who may have a disability. This program is called Child Find, and it applies whether or not your child is already enrolled in school.
Simply request an evaluation directly from your local school district at any time. We'll walk through exactly how to word that request in the next section.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (TEIS Family Resources), Tennessee Department of Education Special Education Manual, TN Early Intervention System.
