Early intervention for children with communication and/or developmental delays is critical to their development and long term success (McCain and Mustard, “The Early Years Study”, 1999).

Early identification of developmental concerns will ensure timely intervention which is essential for optimal child development and accessing family supports. ERIK is a one-step process for making appropriate early referrals to York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program and York Region Early Intervention Services.

York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program and York Region Early Intervention Services have partnered to use these norms to create E.R.I.K.?. (Early Referral Identification Kit).

• A sensitive screening and referral tool for developmental concerns in children 6 months
  to 4 years of age
• An easy to use tool to identify and refer in a timely manner
• Children not achieving age appropriate milestones
• Children exhibiting certain “RED FLAG” behaviours
• Children who may be at risk for
• cognitive delays
• autism spectrum disorder
• motor speech disorders, articulation delays or voice disorders
• stuttering
• language delays
• feeding/sensory difficulties
• motor or other developmental delay

WHY USE E.R.I.K.?

• Quick identification of early warning signs of delays in young children
• Quick and easy referral to appropriate services

• 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 48 months of age — checklists are included
• At the exact age or closest age level passed

• Check all applicable milestones and RED FLAGS on appropriate chronological age checklist
• If any “no” is checked for milestones or if any RED FLAG is present, fax the completed referral to 905-762-2099
• Ensure family information, consent and referral source information is completed

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WITH YOUR E.R.I.K. REFERRAL?

• The family will be contacted and after a telephonic interview will be placed on the appropriate waitlist for assesment and potential treatment
• Central Intake for York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program and Early Intervention Services will contact referral source after next steps have been initiated
  

The E.R.I.K. Early Referral Identifications Kits are PDF documents that can be downloaded by clicking the appropriate age group link.