Section 8-3 - Definitions (a) Except as otherwise specified, the terminology used in this Chapter is the standard terminology and has the meaning used in the IDEA and 34 C.F.R. Part 303. Any ambiguity in these rules should be resolved in favor of providing opportunities for children under three years of age who are at risk of having substantial developmental delay if they do not receive early intervention services.
(b) For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions shall apply: - (i) "Developmental Delay" means children who are experiencing at least a 25% developmental delay or a negative of at least 1.5 standard deviation utilizing appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures in one or more of the following areas:
- (1) cognitive development;
- (2) physical development, including vision and hearing;
- (3) communication development;
- (4) social or emotional development;
- (5) adaptive development.
- (ii) "Division" means the Behavioral Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health.
- (iii) "Early Intervention Service Provider" or "Provider" means an individual provider who is either employed or contracted by a Regional Part C Program Provider to provide early intervention services as defined in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). The early intervention service provider must either:
- (A) Be a licensed professional in the State of Wyoming; or
- (B) Meet the personnel standards established in 34 C.F.R. § 303.119, and have education or experience in early childhood development.
- (iv) The "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" or "IDEA" means the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 through 1482.
- (v) "Informed Clinical Opinion" means determinations made by licensed professionals using qualitative and quantitative information regarding the difficult to measure status of a child's development and the potential need for early intervention.
- (vi) "Regional Part C Program Provider" means the entity or agency located in a specific geographical area of the state that provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays through a contract with the Division. The Regional Part C Program Provider must provide early intervention services within their jurisdiction consistent with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 C.F.R. Part 303, these rules, and Division policy.