Welcome to Kansas Infant-Toddler Services/tiny-k networks

Kansas Infant-Toddler

How do I refer to a child for services?

Kansas has 37 local agencies called Infant-Toddler and/or tiny-k networks. Each network provides an array of services to eligible children and their families utilizing a variety of public and private resources. Services are designed to meet the special needs of the child and family and are identified through a multi-disciplinary assessment process and provided through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

• Infant-Toddler/tiny-k Networks Contact Information (.pdf)
• Infant-Toddler Brochure (.pdf)
• Infant-Toddler Brochure Spanish (.pdf)
• Part C Infant Toddler Services (ITS) In Kansas PowerPoint (.ppt)

Mission Statement

The mission of Kansas Infant-Toddler Services is to:

1. Enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities, to minimize their potential for developmental delay, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during a child's first 3 years of life;
2. Reduce the educational costs to our society, including our Nation's schools, by minimizing the need for special education and related services after infants and toddlers with disabilities reach school age;
3. Maximize the potential for individuals with disabilities to live independently in society;
4. Enhance the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their infants and toddlers with disabilities; and
5. Enhance the capacity of State and local agencies and service providers to identify, evaluate, and meet the needs of all children, particularly minority, low-income, inner city, and rural children, and infants and toddlers in foster care.

What is Early Intervention?

Family-centered early intervention during the first three years of a child's life has the potential to make a profound difference in a child's future. Early intervention is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child's growth and development and supports families during the critical early years. Early intervention services to eligible children and families are federally mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The family is the center of every child's world. Accordingly, it functions as a child's most important developmental context. Therefore, the family should be the most important focus in early intervention efforts, including assessment and intervention activities. Collaboration with the family is essential to meet the developmental needs of all young children.

Starting with a partnership between parents and professionals at this early stage helps the child, family and community as a whole. Early intervention services delivered within the context of the family can:

• Improve both developmental and educational gains;
• Reduce the future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs;
• Reduce feelings of isolation, stress and frustration that families may experience; and
• Help children with disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals.

Because all babies are different, they rarely do the same thing at exactly the same age. As a result, it's not unusual for families to have questions or concerns about their child's development. The earlier children with or at risk of disabilities receive assistance and the sooner their families receive support towards their children's development, the farther they will go in life. Research tells us that the first three years of a child’s life are critical years for learning. Early care and education have a long-lasting impact on how children develop. During a child’s first three years, it is important to focus on a child’s developmental needs and take advantage of your child’s natural ability to learn.

What Does Early Intervention Include?

If a child qualifies for early intervention services, he or she may receive a range of services at no cost to the family. Early intervention services are determined through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that is developed for your child and family. By working closely with the family, early intervention professionals ensure that both services and community supports, including family supports, are brought together to meet each child's and family's unique needs. A family service coordinator is available to assist families. Early Intervention services may include, based on needs: