RI S2834

Children with developmental disabilities whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31 would be permitted to continue receiving early intervention services until September 1 after turning three, eliminating the current service gap before preschool special education begins in September.

EOHHS and the Department of Education must create an implementation plan by July 1, 2026, with full implementation required by January 1, 2028.

An implementation advisory committee must be established, including state coordinators, early intervention providers, local education agencies, advocates, and parents of children who have transitioned from early intervention services.

Private health insurers would be required to cover early intervention services for children over age three who qualify under the extension, with reimbursement rates at or above prevailing Medicaid rates.

Six states (CO, CT, IL, MD, MO, TN) and Washington D.C. have already implemented similar federally-approved extension frameworks under 34 C.F.R. § 303.211.