Kodem Kol: An Early Intervention Service Coordination Program in Baltimore City


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Do you have a child under age three? Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, or does your child have a diagnosed developmental disability? If so, the Kodem Kol Program can offer support and assistance.

What is Kodem Kol?

Kodem Kol is an early intervention (EI) service coordination program for infants and toddlers and their families in Baltimore City’s Orthodox Jewish community. Kodem Kol was established in 2002, after it was noted that roughly 10 families in the Baltimore City Jewish Orthodox community had taken advantage of local free early intervention services. In the 13 years since its inception, Kodem Kol has served over 800 children and families, and has grown to serve over 125 children and families a year.

The program is a partnership between Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Department for Family Support Services, the Baltimore City Health Department’s Infants and Toddlers Program (BITP), and the Maryland State Department of Education to provide outreach, training, and service coordination in the Baltimore City Orthodox Jewish community for infants and toddlers who are eligible for early intervention services through the Baltimore City Infants and Toddlers Program.

 

What is early intervention and why is it important for my child?

During early life, the brain is rapidly developing and is shaped by experiences and interactions. Research indicates that early intervention is effective in promoting developmental progress in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention services can help infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays to learn and build on many key skills and assist in their development.

 

How can Kodem Kol help you?

A Kodem Kol coordinator can assist any family living in Baltimore City who has a child under the age of three to get a free developmental assessment for their child to determine the need for early intervention therapy services. If eligible for ongoing services, the Kodem Kol coordinator would help set up and monitor needed therapy services and family supports.

 

Who is eligible for Kodem Kol?

Any child under the age of three who lives in Baltimore City and has a suspected developmental delay is eligible for an initial assessment to identify early intervention needs in the areas of speech and language, physical development, cognitive development, social emotional development, and self-help skills.

 

Who provides the recommended services, and where are they provided?

Services are provided by the Baltimore City Infants and Toddlers Program (BITP). BITP contracts with the Baltimore City Public Schools and other private agencies to provide therapy services. All providers are licensed and have experience working with young children. Services are provided in your child’s natural environment, including the child’s home, daycare, home of a family member, etc.

 

What is the cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the program.

 

What if my child is already getting therapy services from a private agency? Can I still access Kodem Kol services?

If your child is receiving private therapy services, a Kodem Kol coordinator can assist you in determining whether your child would be eligible to receive services through the local early intervention program, and possibly provide other resources. If eligible for EI services, and with your permission, Kodem Kol can coordinate with the private agency providers so everyone is working towards the same goals for your child and family.

 

Why choose Kodem Kol?

Service coordinators with Kodem Kol are members of the Baltimore Orthodox Jewish community and therefore have first-hand knowledge of the culture, customs, and practices of the Jewish community. Kodem Kol provides an easy single-point-of-entry for Orthodox Jewish families who have questions or concerns about their child’s development. The program is sensitive to the culture and customs of the community, and Kodem Kol staff is able to share this information with therapists in the greater early intervention system.

 

What makes Kodem Kol unique?

Kodem Kol prides itself on its close relationship with the families in the program. While the program’s primary mission is to facilitate the provision of early intervention therapy services to children with developmental disabilities and delays, Kodem Kol staff understand that the families we serve may have greater needs. Therefore, Kodem Kol has a reputation for going above and beyond and providing families with referrals to local community supports and services, as needed.

 

Who should call Kodem Kol?

Anyone who has concerns about a child’s development should call. Most children are referred by their families, but referrals can also be made by a pediatrician, child care provider, etc.

 

How soon after I call will an evaluation take place?

An initial evaluation to determine your child’s eligibility and needs will take place within 45 days of the referral.

 

What if my child is not eligible for the program?

If your child is not eligible, you will still receive a full developmental assessment so you have an accurate picture of your child’s current development, and you can always re-refer your child should you still have concerns before age three.

 

How many families does Kodem Kol serve?

Kodem Kol typically receives over 60 referrals every year, and serves over 125 families annually.

 

What if my child is over age 3 or I live in Baltimore County?

If your child is over age three, you can call Child Find for assistance in setting up an evaluation (Baltimore City: 443-984-1011, Baltimore County: 410-887-3017). If you live in Baltimore County and your child is under age three, you can call the Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program at 410-887-2169.

 

Whom do I call to set up an evaluation or discuss my concerns?

Naomi Shabtai, the Orthodox coordinator of Kodem Kol, has been with the program since its inception 13 years ago and has helped over 800 children and their families in the Baltimore City area. You can reach her at 410-298-7000. You can call Naomi with any questions about the program, or to make a referral. You may also visit us online at http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kodem-kol.

 

 

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