Navigating Referral Resources in Colorado: Child Find, Early Intervention, and More
- Nikki Fitch
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
When a provider, caregiver, or parent has a concern about a child’s development, one of the most important and often overwhelming questions becomes: Where do we go from here?
For many families, the idea of a “referral” is unfamiliar. And even when they receive one, the next step isn’t always clear. At Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD), we’ve heard from families across Colorado that what they really need in these moments is not just a form or a phone number, but someone to walk alongside them, step by step.
Why Referrals Matter—and Why They Can Be Challenging
When a developmental concern arises, whether from a caregiver’s intuition, a developmental screening result, or a provider’s observation, families and professionals alike often wonder:
Where do we go from here?
Who can help?
What does the process look like?
These are valid and common questions. For many, the referral process can feel confusing, daunting, or inaccessible, especially for families navigating it for the first time or whose first language isn’t English.
Let’s take a closer look at how to navigate the referral process by highlighting key pathways like Early Intervention Colorado and Child Find, while also exploring additional programs and resources that meet a variety of family needs.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, our goal is to help you better understand and confidently navigate this process, so every child gets the support they need when they need it.
What is a Referral?
A referral is when someone, like a pediatrician, teacher, or early childhood provider, takes action to connect a child or family to another agency, service, or program for support. That could mean helping a family schedule a developmental evaluation, connect with therapy, or access a parenting support program.
But an effective referral is more than a form. We’ve learned from families that they need guidance, follow-up, and clear, compassionate language to feel confident in the next step.
What is Early Intervention Colorado?
Early Intervention (EI) Colorado provides services to infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities.
Who is eligible?
Children from birth to 3 years old who have a significant delay in one or more developmental areas or a diagnosed condition with a high probability of delay.
What is the referral process?
Anyone can make a referral by calling 833-733-3734 (833-REFER-EI) or submitting a referral form in English or Spanish through the EI Colorado website. Families can also speak with their pediatrician or home visitor to begin the process.
What happens after a referral?
A care coordinator or service coordinator connects with the family, schedules a developmental evaluation, and if eligible, develops an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with the family. Services may be provided in the home, child care center, or other natural environments. Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families.
What is Child Find?
Child Find is part of each Colorado public school district’s system for identifying children ages 3–21 who may need special education services. For children ages 3 to 5, this includes evaluations to determine if they qualify for preschool special education under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Who is eligible?
Children ages 3–5 who may have developmental delays or disabilities. Families, caregivers, or professionals can refer a child if there are concerns about communication, motor skills, behavior, learning, or related areas.
What is the referral process?
Referrals can be made directly to the local school district’s Child Find team. The process usually begins with collecting information from the family and may include a screening and/or a full evaluation.
What happens after a referral?
If the evaluation finds that a child is eligible, the team (including the family) develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support the child’s learning in a preschool setting.
Navigating Additional Resources
In addition to Child Find and Early Intervention, there are a variety of local and statewide early childhood referral resources in Colorado. Below is a brief description of each:
Local school district preschool programs
Universal Preschool Colorado - Provides access to free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds (and some 3-year-olds) across Colorado.
Behavioral health services
Referrals can be made for mental health or social-emotional concerns. Families may qualify for services through community mental health centers.
Developmental pediatricians
Pediatric Home Health - Services like speech, occupational, or physical therapy delivered at home, often covered by Medicaid or private insurance. Ask your pediatrician or care coordinator for referral options in your area.
Home visiting programs
Parents as Teachers (PAT) - Free home visiting program offering child development and school readiness guidance for families of young children.
HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) - Empowers parents to prepare children ages 2–5 for school success through structured curriculum and home visits.
Colorado Home Visiting Coalition - A network of free, voluntary home visiting programs that support families during pregnancy and early childhood. Programs promote child development, parent well-being, and strong family bonds. Eligibility and services vary by program and location.
Community parenting programs
Family Resource Centers - Offer support with navigation, translation, case management, and connecting families to basic needs and local services. Services vary by location—ask your pediatrician, care coordinator, or visit the Family Resource Center Association website to find one near you.
Private therapies (speech, OT, PT)
Private Therapy Services - Some families access speech, occupational, or developmental therapies through private providers or clinics. Check with your pediatrician or child care center for recommended providers.
Language Access: What Families Need to Know
Language should never be a barrier to accessing services, but for many families whose first language isn’t English, it often is, due to limited interpreter availability, materials or communication not available in families’ preferred languages, and services that may not reflect their cultural values or needs.
Here are a few tips and truths:
Both Child Find and Early Intervention Colorado offer interpretation services and translated materials to help families access services in their preferred language. Since availability can vary, families are encouraged to ask for language support, such as interpreters or translated forms, at any time, including during intake, to make sure they feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Community-based programs like HIPPY, Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Family Resource Centers often work closely with families and communities, offering bilingual staff and materials that reflect families’ languages, cultures, and needs.
Practical Tips for Families
It’s okay to ask questions more than once
Ask your provider: “Can you help me call or complete the referral?” OR “Can you help me make the call or explain more about this program?”
Keep a folder with contact names, dates, and notes.
It’s okay to wait or revisit a referral when you’re ready.
How Professionals and Families Can Work Together
Facilitating warm handoffs rather than simply sharing a referral form.
Checking in together to make sure connections are established and supported.
Using everyday, family-paced language that feels comfortable and clear.
Inviting open conversation with questions like, “How are you feeling about this? Would you like more information before deciding?”
Sharing translated resources whenever available and collaborating to advocate for more accessible options.
Referrals are more than just forms; they are moments of partnership, trust, and connection. They are a critical bridge in a child’s developmental journey, but that bridge only works when families feel seen, supported, and empowered to cross it. Whether you’re a parent navigating next steps or a professional walking alongside them, knowing what resources are available and how to access them can make all the difference.
Let’s keep building referral systems that do more than point the way. Let’s walk with families at their pace, in their language, and with their needs at the center so that every child gets the support they need when they need it.