Definition of Terms

Advocate- Someone who takes action to help someone else, as in educational advocate; also to take action on someone's behalf.

At Risk- Children who have, or could have problems with their development that may affect later learning.

Cognitive- A term that describes the process people use for remembering, reasoning, and/or understanding.

Consumer Support Grant (CSG)- Provides monthly cash grants to children and adults with mental retardation or a related condition who are living at home. CSG is an alternative for individuals and families who are currently receiving services under the following state programs: Medical Assistance home care such as Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services, private duty nursing and/or the Family Support Grant (FSG).

Developmental Disability (DD) Services- Children with significant delays in development may qualify for services through Anoka or Hennepin County.   These services help families meet the special needs of their child.

Due Process- Actions that protect a person's rights.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)- [Check our Resources page for more information and links.]   ECFE is a program for Minnesota families with children from birth to kindergarten enrollment.   ECFE works to strengthen families and help parents to provide the best possible environment for the growth and development of their children.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)- [Check our Resources page for more information and links to school districts.]   ECSE is available for children from birth to age 5. In order to qualify, children must show a significant delay or disorder in development, or have a condition that is known to keep children from developing as expected.   Check with your local school district for more information.

Early Intervention Respite (EIR)- A program for families with children under the age of 3 who are on an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP).   Families are given a cash grant to use toward payment for respite care.

Family Support Grant (FSG)- A program available though county social services designed to help families maintain their child with a disability in their home. A cash grant allows families to pay for specific costs related to the disability that are not being covered by any other source.

Follow Along Program- A program offered by Community Health to monitor infants and toddlers who are at risk for developmental problems and work toward early identification and intervention as needed.

Interagency Early Intervention Committee (IEIC)- A partnership of public and private agencies that serve young children with special needs and their families.

Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)- An interagency document developed for a child ages birth to three years with special needs and his/her family.   The IFSP is a single coordinated plan developed by the team, which includes parents and all providers who work with the child/family.   The plan includes strengths, needs, outcomes/goals and services to be provided.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)- An education plan for children ages three to 21 receiving Special Education services from school districts.   An IEP is similar to an IFSP, but more focused on the child's goals rather than the family goals.

Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP, or sometimes called a triple IP)- A coordinated plan that can be used for children ages birth to 21 when two or more public agencies are working with the child and family.   The IIIP is similar to an IFSP.

Medical Assistance (MA)- A state plan to provide medical care for people in financial need.

Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs (MCSHN)- This organization can help pay for evaluations for your child when trying to obtain a medical diagnosis.   Even if you have private insurance, MCSHN may help by paying co-pay or deductible costs.   Examples may include evaluations for physical therapy, occupational therapy or diagnosis of the primary disability. MCSHN does not cover costs for a second opinion.

Minnesota Care (MN Care)- A state-subsidized health care program for people who live in Minnesota and have no means to get health insurance. Applicants must meet income and program guidelines and pay a monthly premium.

Mental Retardation and Related Conditions Waiver (MR/RC)- A program that allows the federal government to waive, or make exception for, the usual Medical Assistance requirements.   It gives states the option to use Medical Assistance and TEFRA funds to provide home and community-based services for children who qualify.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)- Individuals who provide extra help to families in meeting the daily care tasks for their children with special needs.   Issues such as grooming, feeding, dressing, medical issues and behavior are all taken into consideration in order to determine how much care time the child will qualify for.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)- Social Security benefits for children under the age of 18 who have disabilities.

Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA)- Gives Medical Assistance eligibility to some disabled children who live at home with their families.   This program is based on the child's disability, not on parental income.   For families with private insurance, their private insurance would be considered the primary payer, but TEFRA could help cover co-pays and deductibles, and necessary medical services not always fully covered by conventional insurance.