Referrals for children ages 3-5

PEIDS works with The Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) as a State authorized and approved service provider to meet the needs of toddlers and young children ages 3-5 who may need developmental support. All referrals for children ages 3-5 must go through DDSN to be screened for eligibility and to select a provider. If deemed eligible during the intake process, you may select Pediatric Early Intervention & Developmental Services to serve as your child's provider.

To make a referral for a young child ages 3-5, you should call DDSN Eligibility at 1-800-289-7012 Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:30pm to speak with someone by phone. You should plan to spend about 15 minutes on the call and have the following information about the child available:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Medicaid Number if Medicaid eligible
• General Information About the Child's Disability
• Home Address
• Phone Number
• E-mail Address, if available

During the call, you will be asked questions to establish your residency in South Carolina. You will be asked to select three (3) Intake Service Providers from a list read to you over the phone. Pediatric Early Intervention & Developmental Services does provide Intake Services, and you can select us from the list of providers. The Intake Provider will help you through the Eligibility process at no cost to you. DDSN will contact the Intake Service Provider(s) you choose.

After your call: 

• You will receive a letter from DDSN confirming your application for DDSN eligibility.
• The Intake Service Provider you chose or an Autism Eligibility Coordinator will contact you by telephone within two (2) weeks and will provide you information and collect medical and educational records needed by DDSN to determine eligibility.
• Once appropriate records are submitted by the Intake Service Provider or the Autism Eligibility Coordinator, DDSN will notify the applicant in writing of their eligibility status.

Children who meet eligibility criteria are served at no charge to families, regardless of family income. If your child is found eligible for services through DDSN, you may select Pediatric Early Intervention & Developmental Services as your family's provider.