Would you like to have a voice in the future planning and policy decisions for the Early Intervention system?

What is the ICC?

The Massachusetts Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) is a federally mandated statewide inter-agency group that advises and assists the Department of Public Health on Early Intervention. The ICC is comprised of parents, professionals and providers. Members of this dynamic group include representatives of state agencies (Department of Early Education and Care, Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Department of Developmental Services, and others), higher education, one State legislator, one medical professional, EI providers, early childhood service providers, as well as parents. Staff from the Department of Public Health attends ICC Meetings on a regular basis. It is important that voices from all of these perspectives are shared and valued.

The Role of Parents
As a parent of a child who has received Early Intervention services, you have a unique perspective on how the Early Intervention system operates. Parents are encouraged to share their views and their opinions.

Parents -- would you like to have a voice in the future planning and policy decisions for the Early Intervention system? As a Parent Representative of the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) or as a member of one of six committees of the ICC, you will learn how the Early Intervention system works and be on the forefront of receiving information that affects the EI system. Parents have the opportunity to "sit at the table" and voice their opinions with other key advisors to the Department of Public Health, lead agency for the Early Intervention program.
There are several ways for parents to get involved in the ICC, as an ICC Parent Representative or as a member of one of six committees:

ICC Parent Representatives
Parent representatives are voting members of the ICC, and as such are required to attend meetings five to six times a year.

There is one parent representative from each of the six regions of the state and one at-large parent representative. Regional representatives must live in the region and have a child who is receiving or has received Early Intervention services.

Join an ICC Committee
ICC Committee Organizational Chart Parents are encouraged to join a committee of the ICC. There are seven standing committees that meet monthly at various locations throughout the state.

Click here to find out how to get involved on a committee
Role of the DPH Staff Person on an ICC Committee

• The Standards Committee has worked to develop and revise the Operational Standards, which are used to certify Early Intervention Programs. This Committee meets in Milford.
• The Personnel Committee addresses issues of recruitment, retention and training of Early Intervention personnel. This Committee meets in Waltham.
• The Program Planning Committee has recently completed the IFSP Guidance Document for providers and families. This Committee meets in Needham.
• The Specialty Services Committee works on issues related to low incidence conditions (including blindness, visual impairment, deafness, hearing loss, deafblindness, autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorders) This Committee meets in Natick.
• The Membership Committee supports full representation and membership on the ICC, and offers mentorship, as well as, orientations for new members.This Committee meets in Natick
• The Fiscal Committee advises the ICC and DPH in planning and monitoring the efficient use of funds and in advocating for increased resources to support statewide Early Intervention services. This Committee meets in Natick.
• The Family Leadership Team Committee assists the council in ensuring informed and supported parents can meaningfully participate in all areas of the council including the policy discussions. This Committee meets in Milford.