Daily Life and Education
Accessing services and supports for my child to learn and grow—early intervention, preschool, special education, social and financial assistance.
Your child may need help developing daily living and early learning skills. You may have questions and concerns about early intervention, preschool, special education — and social services and financial assistance for your child and family’s day-to-day living.
What services are available for my child with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability or Delay?
Services for children Birth to 3: What is Early Intervention (EI)?
Early intervention services are available to eligible infants and toddlers ages Birth to 3. These services can provide the support a child needs to develop and learn. There are also services available for your family in caring for the child. These child services focus on five areas that address delays in physical, cognitive, communication, self-help, and social/emotional skills.
If eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed to guide services for the child and family. The child is served in the home, at child care or in the community. The amount and type of services are determined by the child’s and families’ goals and priorities.
For more information on NC early intervention services, see NC Infant Toddler Program at
https://beearly.nc.gov/index.php/providers/eligibility-referral
Transition from EI to Preschool Services (3yr old and some 4yr old programs)
Children who have received early intervention services and continue to be eligible when they turn 3 years old transition to the NC Preschool Program through the NC Department of Public Instruction.
The Early Childhood Transitions in NC guide has more information on this transition
https://beearly.nc.gov/data/files/pdf/transitionshandbook.pdf
For a practical guide to transition services
https://nceln.fpg.unc.edu/sites/nceln.fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/GPEarlyChildhoodTransition11-6.pdf
Services for children 3-5: What are Preschool Services?
Preschool services for children with qualifying special needs or disabilities help them prepare to succeed in school.
If eligible, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed to guide services for the child. The child is served in a child care or school-based program. The amount and type of services are determined by the child’s educational goals and objectives.
All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are required to provide preschool exceptional children services to all eligible 3- to 5-year-olds which may include placement in an LEA operated classroom (or other regular early childhood programs, separate settings, provider location, home). Beyond that, LEAs are not mandated to provide preschool services but many do through other funding sources and partnerships (NC PreK, Head Start, Child Care Subsidy, Title I, local funds, etc.).
NC PreK is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/DCDEE-Sections/North-Carolina-Pre-Kindergarten-NC-Pre-K
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program designed for children aged 3 to 5. To find a Head Start program near you, use the program locater on the following link- https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/office-early-learning/preschool#head-start
Title 1 Preschool: Title I allows preschool programs to serve children from birth up to age five, but most North Carolina Title I preschools serve four-year-olds. https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/office-early-learning/preschool#title-1-preschool
Transition from Preschool to K-12School
Children who have received Preschool services through the NC Department of Public Instruction and remain eligible will receive transition planning into the K-12 program.
Transition Timeline guide found at the link below provides steps to be considered by the family which may be experienced the year prior to kindergarten. Resources that focus on younger developmental skills, milestone tracking, kindergarten standards, and digital access to early literature can be found through QR codes on the back cover. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CATzzRm8sAsvMKsN0rYFa5YjzeB0ngM3/view
Guidance to ensure children’s individual needs are addressed during transition to kindergarten – https://nceln.fpg.unc.edu/sites/nceln.fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/Transition%20to%20Kindergarten%20TIps%20for%20Children%20with%20IEPs.pdf
Services for children older than 5: What are school-based services?
Special education services are provided through the Exceptional Children’s Program of the NC Department of Public Instruction. If a child is eligible, an IEP will be developed to guide services for the child. Services are provided in the school setting, and the amount and type of services are determined by the child’s IEP/education goals and objectives.
See The Parent & Responsibilities in Special Education handbook at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/parent-resources (English and Spanish versions of the handbook are available on this page.)
Who is a member of my child’s support team in the NC public schools?
There are several professionals that are involved in the support and decision-making process for children with developmental delays/disabilities in North Carolina’s public schools. The following resources provide more information on your child’s school team:
Disability Rights, “Parents Together: Advocating for our Children (a manual) “ https://disabilityrightsnc.org/
Duke Law, “A Parents’ Guide to Special Education in North Carolina” https://law.duke.edu/childedlaw/docs/Parents’_guide.pdf
What help is there for understanding special education services and educational advocacy?
https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/all-resource-materials/
What programs are available for North Carolina students with disabilities in non-public schools?
North Carolina offers Education Student Accounts for students with disabilities who are at least 5 years old. These accounts can be used to pay tuition and fees for non-public school options and expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology for eligible students. To learn more, visit:
https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/esa/
What services are available for my child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
What should I do if my child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are many resources available for you and your child. In NC, you can talk to someone to find out more information about ASD and recommended interventions and services at:
Autism Society of NC – https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/
TEACCH – https://teacch.com/
Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities – www.cidd.unc.edu
Family Support Network™ of NC – https://fsnnc.org/
Your local Managed Care Organization (MCO) –https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory
You can learn more online from
ASNC – https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/
Autism Navigator – https://autismnavigator.com/
Autism Speaks – https://www.autismspeaks.org/
For children under 3 years of age, you can contact Part C/Early Intervention
https://beearly.nc.gov/index.php/families/eligible
After a child’s 3rd birthday, contact the NC Department of Public Instruction
https://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/disability-resources/autism-spectrum-disorders
Services for children Birth to 3: What is early intervention (EI)?
Early intervention services are available to eligible infants and toddlers ages Birth to 3. These services can provide the support a child needs to develop and learn. There are also services available for your family who cares for the child. These child services focus on five areas that address delays in physical, cognitive, communication, self-help, and social/emotional skills. If eligible, an IFSP-Individualized Family Service Plan will be developed to guide services for the child and family. The child is served in the home, at child care or in the community. The amount and type of services are determined by goals and priorities of the family.
For more information on NC early intervention services, see NC Infant Toddler Program:
https://beearly.nc.gov/index.php/providers/eligibility-referral
Transition from EI to Preschool Services (3yr old and some 4yr old programs)
Children who have received early intervention services and continue to be eligible when they turn 3 years old transition to the NC Preschool Program through the NC Department of Public Instruction.
For information about this transition see the Early Childhood Transitions in NC guide
https://beearly.nc.gov/data/files/pdf/transitionshandbook.pdf
For a practical guide to transition services, see
https://nceln.fpg.unc.edu/sites/nceln.fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/GPEarlyChildhoodTransition11-6.pdf
Difference Between a Medical Diagnosis and a School Disability Classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
ASD is a medical diagnosis so your child may not be eligible for services at school. The school team will do an evaluation to determine if your child has special needs that impact his/her learning and education. If so, these are the needs that will be addressed at school. In addition, for insurance reimbursement purposes, a Medical Diagnosis is typically necessary.
Services for children 3-5: What are Preschool Services?
Preschool services for children with qualifying special needs or disabilities help them prepare to succeed in school.
If eligible, an IEP-Individualized Education Plan will be developed to guide services for the child. The child is served in a child care or school-based program. The amount and type of services are determined by the child’s educational goals and objectives.
All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are required to provide preschool exceptional children services to all eligible 3- to 5-year-olds which may include placement in an LEA operated classroom (or other regular early childhood programs, separate settings, provider location, home). Beyond that, LEAs are not mandated to provide preschool services but many do through other funding sources and partnerships (NC PreK, Head Start, Child Care Subsidy, Title I, local funds, etc.).
NC PreK is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children.
https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/DCDEE-Sections/North-Carolina-Pre-Kindergarten-NC-Pre-K
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program designed for children aged 3 to 5. To find a Head Start program near you, use the program locater on the following link:
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/office-early-learning/preschool#head-start
Title 1 Preschool: Title I allows preschool programs to serve children from birth up to age five, but most North Carolina Title I preschools serve four-year-olds. :
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/office-early-learning/preschool#title-1-preschool
Transition from Preschool to K-12School
Children who have received Preschool services through the NC Department of Public Instruction and remain eligible will receive transition planning into the K-12 program.
Transition Timeline guide found at the link below provides steps to be considered by the family which may be experienced the year prior to kindergarten. Resources that focus on younger developmental skills, milestone tracking, kindergarten standards, and digital access to early literature can be found through QR codes on the back cover.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CATzzRm8sAsvMKsN0rYFa5YjzeB0ngM3/view
Guidance to ensure children’s individual needs are addressed during transition to kindergarten: https://nceln.fpg.unc.edu/sites/nceln.fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/Transition%20to%20Kindergarten%20TIps%20for%20Children%20with%20IEPs.pdf
Services for children older than 5: What are school-based services?
Special education services are provided through the Exceptional Children’s Program of the NC Department of Public Instruction. If a child is eligible, an IEP-Individualized Education Plan will be developed to guide services for the child. Services are provided in the school setting, and the amount and type of services are determined by the IEP goals and objectives.
See The Parent & Responsibilities in Special Education handbook at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/parent-resources (English and Spanish versions of the handbook are available on this page.)
Who is a member of my child’s support team in the NC public schools?
There are several professionals that are involved in the support and decision-making process for children with developmental delays/disabilities in North Carolina’s public schools. The following resources provide more information on your child’s school team:
Disability Rights, “Parents Together: Advocating for our Children (a manual) “ https://disabilityrightsnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Parents-Together.pdf
Duke Law, “A Parents’ Guide to Special Education in North Carolina” https://law.duke.edu/childedlaw/docs/Parents’_guide.pdf
What help is there for understanding special education services and educational advocacy?
https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/all-resource-materials/
What services and supports are available to help my family in our daily life?
Childcare and Early Childhood Education – finding and paying for child care and preschool
NC DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education
https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/
NC Division of Child Development and Early Education Information for Parents
https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Parent
Smart Start/Partnership for Young Children
https://www.smartstart.org/smart-start-in-your-community/
Early Head Start
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/programs/article/early-head-start-programs
Head Start
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1929
NC DHHS Child Care Subsidy
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/childrens-services/child-care-subsidy
In-Home Care NC Medicaid for Children (Health Check)
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/childrens-services/health-check
NC Innovation Waiver Services
What is the Innovations Waiver and how can this help my child?
The NC Innovations Waiver is a Federally approved 1915 C Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS Waiver) designed to meet the needs of Individuals with Intellectual or Development Disabilities (I/DD) including those with autism (based on meeting eligibility criteria) who prefer to get long-term care services and supports in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting. Waiver services are administered by a local management entity/managed care organization (LME/MCO) that facilitates services and oversees a network of community-based service providers. Individuals who receive waiver funding (and their parents if needed) work with their team to develop a Person Centered Plan of Care and request the services and supports they need.
Registry of Unmet Needs
Each of the 100 counties in North Carolina has a wait list for Innovation Waiver services called the Registry of Unmet Needs (RUN) managed by their LME/MCO. The registry is based on first-come, first-served. Families who are interested in the waiver should apply as soon as possible. Individuals are placed on the waiting list until slots become available. The average wait time on the RUN is 7-10 years. Only the North Carolina General Assembly can approve additional waiver slots.
To locate your LME/MCO, based on individual’s county of residence, click on the DHHS website below:
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/behavioral-health-idd/nc-innovations-waiver
NC DHHS Community Alternative Program for Children (CAP/C)
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-services/long-term-care/community-alternatives-program-for-children
To locate your LME/MCO, based on individual’s county of residence, click on the DHHS website below:
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/behavioral-health-idd/nc-innovations-waiver
NC DHHS Community Alternative Program for Children (CAP/C)
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-services/long-term-care/community-alternatives-program-for-children
Care Coordination – coordinating services for children with special healthcare needs and disabilities
Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) – https://beearly.nc.gov/index.php/contact/cdsa
Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) – https://www.communitycarenc.org/
Care Management for At Risk Children (CMARC) – https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/transformation/care-management/care-management-risk-children-cmarc
Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCO) – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory
Respite Care – paid temporary care to give caregivers a break
NC Medicaid Innovation Waiver Services
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/behavioral-health-idd/nc-innovations-waiver
Medicaid (b)(3) services
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/behavioral-health-idd/nc-innovations-waiver/waiver-services
NC Lifespan Respite Project
https://www.highcountryaging.org/services/lifespan-respite-project
First in Families NC
http://fifnc.org/index.html
Financial Support – help paying for immediate needs and long term financial security
County Department of Social Services
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dss
SSI Disability Benefits for Children
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_factsheet.htm
First in Families NC
http://fifnc.org/index.html
United Healthcare Children’s Foundation
https://www.uhccf.org/
NC Able Account
https://www.nctreasurer.com/links/nc-able
Life Plan Trust
https://lifeplantrust.org/
Personal Supplies Assistance – Pediasure, diapers
County Department of Social Services –
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dss
First in Families NC
http://fifnc.org/index.html
Sibling and Parent Support – informational, emotional, and social support for families
Family Support Network™ of NC
https://fsnnc.org
Autism Society of NC
https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/
The Arc of NC
https://www.arcnc.org/
Autism Speaks
https://www.autismspeaks.org/
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/
North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance
https://www.ncdsalliance.org/
First in Families NC
http://fifnc.org/
North Carolina Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Association
https://www.ncimha.org/
Cultural Supports – community based programs to support and strengthen families
El Futuro
https://elfuturo-nc.org/
Centro Para Familias Hispanas
https://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/cpfh/
Access Family Support Health Information Center
https://f2fsupport.org/hic-informational-flyer/
NC Health Information Center Language Line
https://fsnnc.org/info-referral
Family Resource Center South Atlantic
https://frcsa.org/
How can I help my child learn important daily living skills, other life skills, and prepare for adulthood?
Daily living focuses on everyday life and what is needed for your child to grow in independence during all phases of natural life. North Carolina has many organizations that support families with daily activities, learning skills useful in life, and preparing for major lifecycle transitions.
Examples of life skills are toileting, self-care, time management, grocery shopping, communicating needs, tying shoes, managing chores, maintaining employment, budgeting, catching a bus, dressing appropriately for the weather, and following a schedule. These skills offer tools for growth, encourage independent thinking, help with socializing and making new friends, and prepare individuals for situations when caregivers are not around to help.
Life transitions are periods in life involving lots of change to a person’s lifestyle. An example of a life transition for your child may be leaving pre-K and going to elementary school or graduating from high school to live independently. When addressing your child’s needs for daily life, it is important for families to keep upcoming transitions in plain sight because transitions require preplanning to have better outcomes.
The following organizations are experts in assisting families with daily living and life transitions.
Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) for children Birth – 3
https://beearly.nc.gov/index.php/contact/cdsa
Special Education in NC for preschool and school age
https://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/
The Autism Society of North Carolina for children with ASD
https://www.autismsociety-nc.org
The Arc of North Carolina for children with I/DD
https://www.arcnc.org
TEACCH for ASD services across the lifespan
https://teacch.com/about-us/
NC Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for transition to employment
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dvrs
Easter Seals UCP NC for children and adults with disabilities
https://www.easterseals.com/NCVA/
UNC Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities Postsecondary Options for Students with I/DD
http://www.cidd.unc.edu/psea/