Tennessee

How to get started: The first step to accessing EI is getting a referral* 

Your state accepts : referrals FROM Anyone

You should refer as soon as possible! 

Your state’s referral link(s):https://stateoftennessee-cvlyz.formstack.com/forms/teis_referral

REMEMBER: YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR LOCAL EI OFFICE DIRECTLY BY PHONE OR IN PERSON

Your state’s EI contact number:   (800) 852-7157

Your state’s EI contact Email:  DD.TEIS_Referrals@tn.gov 

Your state’s EI office address: MAIN OFFICE:.291 Stewarts Ferry Pike

One Cannon Way Building, 3rd Floor

Nashville, TN 37214 THERE MAY BE SEVERAL LOCAL OFFICES YOU CAN CONTACT. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE ADDRESSES TO LOCAL OFFICES IN YOUR STATE.https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/teis.html

Your state accepts referrals until: YOUR CHILD TURNS 72 MO (5 YEARS) 

After a referral is made it SHOULD be NO MORE THAN 3 MONTHS before your family is contacted for an evaluation* and service coordination.  

At your evaluation they will assess your child’s: cognitive, physical, communication, social emotional, and adaptive abilities

Your state will accept your child into EI if: your child’s scores show a delay of 40% or greater below the average in one or more areas of development or 25% or greater in two or more areas OR HAS A CONDITION ON A PRE-APPROVED LIST or meets the TEIS prematurity criteria.

If your child is not accepted into the program: You may be eligible for RE-DETERMINATION of eligibility. Talk to your service coordinator for more information. 

If your child qualifies: your family will be given no-cost services* that will address your needs. The length and type of therapies will be outlined though an Individualized Family Service Plan*. These services will continue UNTIL YOUR CHILD TURNS 5

You will be expected to begin transitioning out of this program: WHEN YOUR CHILD TURNS 36

EI Transition* can mean a variety of things- your child may need further service coordination through Part B of IDEA (school services) or they may be ready to transition out of their service provision. Your providers will meet with you and explain this process. This process should take NO LONGER THAN 3 MO.