Developmental Educational Assistance Program

D.E.A.P.

IDEA Infant & Toddler Program

IDEA Infant & Toddler, also known as Part C, is designed to enhance the development of children under age 3 who have developmental delays or suspected developmental delays. This program supports the family’s capacity to meet their child’s special needs.

Who is Eligible?

Children from birth to age three with certain disabilities or developmental delays are eligible for early intervention and support services such as family education, special instruction, direct therapies and support coordination under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Infant and Toddler Program.  In order to be eligible for these services in Montana, a child must meet one of the following criteria: 

• Have a diagnosed (i.e. established) physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.

• Have a 50% developmental delay in one developmental area or a 25% delay in two or more areas of development, including: physical (motor, vision and hearing), cognitive (thinking ability), communication (speech and language), social-emotional (interaction with others) or self-help skills.

How to make referral or access services?

DEAP provides services in the following counties: Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux.  The contact individual for Part C services at DEAP is:

Sandy Peaslee                                                                 speaslee@deapmt.org

2200 Box Elder

Miles City, MT  59301

234-6034 or 1-800-224-6034

Referrals may be made by any concerned person, parent, or agency about a child who may appear to have a delay or need services.  Parental or legal guardian permission is required to make a referral.

What services are provided?

Once a review panel has determined that a family is eligible, the planning process will include development of an Individualized Family Service Plan that addresses transitions and might include the following services: 

• Diagnostic evaluation

• Medical services (diagnostic and evaluation purposes)

• Physical Therapy

• Assistive technology devices and services

• Audiology

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech/Language Therapy

• Family Education and Support, support coordination

• Counseling

• Health services necessary to enable the child to benefit from other early intervention services

• Transportation

• Vision

Links to Related Sites:

National Directory for Part C Contacts

Zero to Three Organizations

Connecting with individuals, families and communities.

 Adult Supported Living Services    Child Care Resource & Referral    Community Supports

Evaluation & Diagnosis Services    Family Education & Support    IDEA Infant & Toddler

In-Home Program    Lifespan Respite

PASARR    WIC