Senate Bill 2485: Early Intervention Act for Infants and Toddlers

January 23, 2023February 2, 2023 Bill Tracker

Explanation of the Bill

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On January 31, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee voted to pass SB 2485. The bill is now awaiting a vote on the Senate floor, which will likely take place in the coming weeks.

Explanation of the Bill

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SB 2485 would update the definition of those considered qualified to provide early intervention services. The new definition would qualify individuals who hold degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences or Child and Family Science with a concentration in child development and licensure in pre-K/K. 

As it exists now, the Early Intervention Act for Infants and Toddlers counts audiologists, family therapists, nurses, nutritionists, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, pediatricians and other physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, special educators, and speech language pathologists as qualified personnel. The change would ensure that those who hold degrees that specialize in child development are now able to work with children and families that require early intervention. 

While this change intends to broaden the types of professionals who may serve children, the specific language in the bill may exclude those who hold similar knowledge with different degree names such as Human Development and Family Studies, as it is found at Mississippi State University, Child Care and Family Education, as it is found at Jackson State University, Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development, as it is found at Delta State University, or other early childhood-focused degree programs.