• to have an evaluation of your child and family that is directed by you and designed by you and other members of the core team
  
• to decide what information about your family you wish to share during the evaluation
  
• to have the evaluation conducted by qualified individuals
  
• to an evaluation based on information about your child's medical history and current health, mental and physical development (including vision and hearing), communication skills, social or emotional development and adaptive skills, such as dressing and eating
  
• to an evaluation that includes suggestions and ideas for services and supports that would benefit your child
  

Your child's first evaluation must be completed within 45 days of the time he or she is referred unless your family needs more time.

If you and others decide your child needs services before the evaluation is completed, you have the right to an interim (temporary) Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

You also have the right to an evaluation at no cost to you. With your permission, however, your health insurance carrier may be billed under the following circumstances:

• if your available life-time cap would not be affected
  
• if your other health insurance benefits would not decrease
  
• if your health insurance premiums would not increase
  
• if your policy would not be discontinued
  
• if your family would not be required to pay an out-of-pocket expense, such as a deductible
  
  
  

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Developed by the Family, Infant and Toddler Program of Vermont in cooperation with the Vermont Parent Information Center, 1994. Updated 2005. For more information, permission to reprint or to obtain additional copies, contact the Family, Infant and Toddler Program, 1-800-649-2642 ext. 3602 (Voice) or 802-241-3602 (Voice). For a more complete copy of your rights, please contact the Family, Infant and Toddler Program for Parental Rights In Early Intervention.

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