EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES
This page is dedicated to services especially for children birth to age 5.
AUTISM TN- BUILDING BRIDGES
The Building Bridges Program is a training program to train childcare and preschool employees in the tools needed to create inclusive environments. The training includes a 1-day session, either in-person or virtual, resources, and ongoing support from the trainer.
Contact Information
Website: https://autismtennessee.wildapricot.org/BuildingBridges
BLIND EARLY SERVICES TN
Blind Early Services provides family support and early intervention for children who are blind or low vision. Their programs include a parent support program, an early intervention program, a parent empowerment program, and an early identification screening program. They provide direct services for children under the age of 3 with a not from a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Contact Information
Email: info@blindearlyservices.org
Phone: (615) 200-8006
Website: www.blindearlyservices.org
HEAD START
Head Start is a program of the Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency. They provide comprehensive services for children ages 3-5. Early Head Start serves children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. They have 3 locations in Gallatin and 2 in Hartsville. There are inclusive options for children with special needs in their least restrictive environment (LRE). They also provide disability support. There is no cost to parents for these services.
Contact Information
Phone: (615) 742-1113
Address: Sumner County Outreach Office 600 Small Street, Gallatin
Website: midcumberland.org/head-start/
NURSES FOR NEWBORNS
Nurses for Newborns sends specially trained pediatric nurses to the homes of pregnant women or parents with infants who face medical, social, or environmental risks. NFN Nurses provide health assessments, screenings, parents education, and can help parents access external resources as needed. Services may be provided for up to two years after the infant’s birth. In Tennessee, a referral should be made by a healthcare provider, social worker, case manager, or other social services provider; self-referrals are not accepted. They are located in Nashville but can do home visits in Sumner County.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 313-9989
Website: https://www.nursesfornewborns.org/home/tennessee-2/
NUTURE THE NEXT
Nurture The Next has programs related to children from birth to age 5. They provide in-home support for parents as well as training and education. Sumner County Programs include: Parent Mentorship, Parent Leadership Initiative, and Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention. They have resources for parents and people who work with families.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 383-0994
Website: www.nurturethenext.org
RAINBOW EARLY INTERVENTION
Rainbow Early Intervention is a United Way agency in Sumner County and a service provider for Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). REI serves children who qualify based on the results of a developmental test given by TEIS. Services are provided by REI through home visits/daycare visits where instructors provide hands on play that encourages appropriate development. There is no charge for children who qualify.
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Contact Information
Main Office Phone: (615) 451-0974
Christie Chandler: (615) 575-4113
Address: 545 Airport Road, Gallatin
REGIONAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM (RIP)
RIP is a program for children under age 6 who have challenging behaviors (such as defiance and aggression) at home, preschool, or in the community. It is free to families because it is funded by the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. . Parents should call to arrange an initial visit.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 451-9618
Address: 528 East Main Street Gallatin TN 37066
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TENNEESEE EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM (TEIS)
TEIS a voluntary program that provides services to families of infants and young children with diagnosed or suspected developmental delays or disabilities. All services are provided at no cost and are available to children with Medicaid and/or private insurance. Anyone can make a referral even If they are unsure if the child has a delay or disability. Children can be referred until age 3.
If a child has begun services through TEIS before their third birthday, they now have the option of continuing those services through the Extended Option up until the start of the school year following their 5th birthday.
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If a child’s possible delay or disability is not suspected until after the child’s third birthday, caregivers can contact Sumner County School’s Special Education department here to start the process of obtaining an evaluation for services through the school district, or can contact private providers for testing and evaluation (see Testing, Evaluation, and Assessments page).
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Contact Information
Website: https://www.tn.gov/didd/for-consumers/tennessee-early-intervention-system-teis.html
Referral Line: 1-800-852-7157