Rural Infant Services
Early Intervention Services for Children from Birth to 3 Years of Life
Early help can make a difference
And can help each child reach his or her
full potential...and a brighter future.
Rural Infant Services Program
P. O. Box 40
Saluda, Virginia 23149
804-758-5250
800-305-BABY
Kathy Phillips, Director
risp@mpnn.state.va.us
Links to Frequently Asked Questions:
How can early services help your child’s development?
Who would benefit from RISP services?
How can a child be referred to this program?
Where are RISP services located?
What are RISP early intervention services?
Who pays for the program?
Current Program Report for the Rural Infant Services Program (PDF)
How can early services help your child’s development?
Many children seem to learn everyday skills automatically, including crawling, walking, talking, playing, and eating. Some children, however, need special help to learn these skills, and we can help parents give their children that extra help. Working with young children early in their lives is the best way to help reduce developmental delays, and can sometimes even prevent developmental problems. For young children with special needs, early intervention services are a very worthwhile investment in the future, offering many benefits as the child gets older.
Who would benefit from RISP services?
We help children from birth through two years of age, including those born prematurely or with a medical problem which may cause developmental delays. We also help children who have a disability or who are having problems learning to walk, talk, play, eat, get along with others, or take care of themselves.
All of these babies are very different, but to us they are the same in one important way. All of them will grow and learn – some quickly, some more slowly. All of these babies have families who can play an important part in aiding their development.
With parent permission, our referrals come from doctors, families, and from many agencies in the community which work closely with us, such as hospitals, public health, home health agencies, public schools, social services, and other public and private agencies interested in young children.
Where are RISP services located?
Young children learn best in their “natural environment”, which is usually in their home or a day care setting. RISP staff can visit at a child’s home when the parent or caregiver is there. RISP could also provide some services where your child goes for day care, if you and your childcare provider are interested.
What are RISP early intervention services?
- Developmental screening
- Assessment/Evaluation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Infant education
- Service coordination (case management)
- Family support activities and links to other community services
- Special training events
- Lending library of materials and equipment
Who pays for the program?
RISP is funded by a variety of sources, including state and local dollars through the Community Services Board. RISP also receives funding from other state and local agencies, civic groups, and organizations.
RISP receives additional funding from Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, so there is never a charge to a family for some services, such as a child’s screening, evaluation, or service coordination.
RISP is licensed as an outpatient rehabilitation program and charges a fee for direct physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Most health insurance will cover part or all of the cost of these therapy services.
If the cost of RISP services would be a hardship to any family, our agency can use a statewide sliding fee scale to reduce the charges to the family based on its income and need. No family is ever denied services because of inability to pay.
Please call us today if you have questions about your baby’s development
or if you would like more information.
800-305-BABY
A program of the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia
