Why Early Intervention?
Research has shown that children’s earliest experiences play a critical role in brain development. Those experiences literally shape how the brain forms, establishing either a sturdy or fragile foundation for all the development and behavior that follows.
Good beginnings never end.
Developmental Therapy is delivered by highly qualified Early Interventionists who hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with many possessing advanced graduate-level training. Services are provided in alignment with each child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and take place either in the family’s home or through a secure teleconferencing platform. At the Michael Dunn Center (MDC), we emphasize the essential role of families as the primary decision-makers and partners in their child’s growth, development, and learning.
The Michael Dunn Center Home and Community-Based Early Intervention Program is a voluntary educational service designed for families with children from birth to five years of age who have disabilities or developmental delays. This program is delivered through a contract with the Department of Disability and Aging and is available to families residing in Roane, Morgan, Scott, Campbell, and Cumberland counties.
MDC also hosts monthly Early Intervention group events that provide opportunities for children and caregivers to engage in socialization, peer interaction, and community-building. These gatherings foster supportive relationships among families, and TEIS Service Coordinators frequently participate to strengthen collaboration and team cohesion.
Referrals
How To Make a Referral
Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS) is the Point of Entry for all referrals for the State of Tennessee. Michael Dunn Center Early Intervention (EI) program staff and Management are full partners with Tennessee’s Early Intervention System Point of Entry District Office’s staff.
You may make a referral to TEIS by completing the online referral form or by calling (800) 852-7157. The referral form can also be found in the MYTN app, available at your app store. Please be prepared to provide the child’s name, date of birth, county of residence, parent information (if someone other than the parent calls), and reason for referral.
Call to Refer an Individual
(800) 852-7157
Online Referral Form
Click Here to Fill Out the Form
For more information regarding Early Intervention Services through the Michael Dunn Center, please contact Jeanna Steele-Mack, MDC Early Intervention Programming Coordinator at (865) 806-8012 or jeanna.steele-mack@michaeldunncenter.org