The Hospital Education Program (HEP) provides consultative infant and toddler services throughout the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. Additionally, children ages 0-5 who are seen in certain outpatient clinics, may receive consultative services through the HEP.
HEP consultants are early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers who provide consultative services to parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers while they are hospitalized or seen in outpatient clinics. As a service to parents, these consultants promote family empowerment by providing caregivers with information, resources, and techniques that may enhance their child’s development.
With parental consent the child’s problem-solving abilities, language, and social and motor development may be assessed. Referral to a community-based Early Intervention (EI) program can be made when appropriate. If the child already receives early intervention services, the consultant will communicate with EI personnel to promote continuity of programming.
All HEP services are free to children and their families. For additional information, contact (434) 924-2658.