As many of our families are aware, the Early Intervention (EI) program in Colorado has been experiencing significant challenges due to budget concerns, which were outlined in a memo to providers on February 25, 2025. There has been a lot of information, and unfortunately some misinformation, circulating among all parties involved. While the CDEC is working to communicate directly with brokers, providers, and families, it seems that not everyone is receiving these updates. We will do our best to share any new information as it becomes available to us.
The memo below, received on March 17, 2025, provides an update from the March 13, 2025 meeting with the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). While we all understand that this additional funding is not a permanent solution to the budget shortfall, it does serve as a temporary bridge to help us through this immediate challenge. It’s crucial that we all reach out to the CDEC, our state representatives, and the JBC to share our personal stories about the impact EI has had on our families. By doing so, we can help them understand the importance of sustaining this program to its full capacity.
Dear Valued Early Intervention Families, Providers, and Partners,
On March 13, 2025, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) approved $2 million in extra funding for Colorado’s Early Intervention program. We also worked with partners to leverage underspent funds so services can continue without any changes.
What this means for you:
- Families: Services will continue as usual.
- Providers: No changes to reimbursement policies including:
- No-shows for IFSP meetings and visits
- $30 stipend for speech language pathologists serving children with Medicaid
- Payment for required EI Provider Training
- Mileage and travel reimbursements for EI Brokers
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) will continue working with the JBC to protect vital services in the next year and ensure the long term sustainability of this program, while minimizing any impact to families and providers.
Your input continues to be invaluable as we continue working with families and community partners to explore potential cost containment strategies for the program moving forward.
The following regular work sessions have been scheduled to continue discussions related to provider and family concerns and questions about the EI program, and everyone is welcome to attend any session.
Upcoming Family Sessions via meet.google.com/cog-qjxe-bjx
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 24, 2025 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. (Listening session Spanish Only)
- Tuesday, March 25, 2025 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Upcoming Provider Sessions via meet.google.com/qpg-fhwh-uzr
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 2, 2025 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Meeting information can also be found on the EI Colorado website, Calendar of Events.
Thank you for being part of the Early Intervention community, we appreciate your partnership.
Questions? Please reach out to us anytime at Lenita.Hartman@state.co.us or call EI Colorado at 1-888-777-4041.
Estimadas familias, proveedores y colaboradores de Intervención Temprana Colorado:
El 13 de Marzo de 2025, el Comité Conjunto de Presupuesto (JBC) aprobó $2 millones de dolares en fondos adicionales para el programa de Intervención Temprana Colorado. También trabajamos con nuestros colaboradores para utilizar fondos no utilizados y así permitir que los servicios continúen sin cambios.
Qué significa esto para ustedes:
- Familias: Los servicios continuarán como de costumbre.
- Proveedores: No hay cambios en las polísas de reembolso, incluyendo:
- Inasistencias a reuniones y visitas del IFSP
- Estipendio de $30 para terapistas del habla que atienden a niños con Medicaid
- Pago de la capacitación requerida para proveedores de Intervención Temprana
- Reembolsos de millas y viajes para agentes de Intervención Temprana
El Departamento de la primera infancia de Colorado (CDEC) continuará trabajando con el JBC para proteger servicios vitales durante el próximo año y garantizar la sostenibilidad a largo plazo de este programa, minimizando al mismo tiempo cualquier impacto para las familias y los proveedores.
Su aportación es invaluable a medida que seguimos trabajando con las familias y los socios comunitarios para explorar posibles estrategias de contención de costos para el programa en el futuro.
Las siguientes sesiones de trabajo regulares se han programado para continuar las conversaciones sobre las inquietudes y preguntas de los proveedores y las familias sobre el programa de Intervención Temprana. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir a cualquier sesión.
Próximas sesiones familiares a través de meet.google.com/cog-qjxe-bjx
- Martes, 18 de marzo de 2025, de 5:30pm a 6:30pm
- Martes, 24 de marzo de 2025, de 5:00pm a 6:00pm- Esta session sera para familias que hablen Español.
- Martes, 25 de marzo de 2025, de 5:30pm a 6:30pm
Próximas sesiones para proveedores a través de meet.google.com/qpg-fhwh-uzr
- Miércoles, 19 de marzo de 2025, de 4:00pm a 5:00pm
- Miércoles, 26 de marzo de 2025, 4:00pm -5:00pm
- Miércoles, 2 de abril de 2025, 9:00am -10:00am
- Miércoles, 9 de abril de 2025, 1:00pm -2:00pm
- Miércoles, 16 de abril de 2025, 1:00pm – 2:00 pm
La información de la reuniónes también se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de Intervención Temprana Colorado, Calendario de Eventos.
Gracias por formar parte de la comunidad de Intervención Temprana; agradecemos su colaboración.
¿Preguntas? Contáctenos en cualquier momento a Lenita.Hartman@state.co.us o llame a Intervención Temprana Colorado al 1-888-777-4041.