WHAT IS TIPS?

Tennessee Infant Parent Services (TIPS School) is a free, statewide, home-based program for families of young children with developmental delays* from birth to three years. Believing that parents are a child's first and most important teacher, TIPS seeks to build the family's confidence in parenting their infant or toddler. TIPS also partners with the family to help the child grow and learn. Because families have varied needs, the TIPS program is unique to each family. There are currently over 600 Parent Advisors that serve over 5,000 special needs children throughout the state of Tennessee.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR TIPS SERVICES?

*Children from birth to three who:

• have a 25% delay in two or more areas of development, or
• have a 40% delay in one area of development, or
• have a diagnosed condition that may impact future learning (hearing loss, vision loss, prematurity, a syndrome, etc.)

WHAT DOES A PARENT ADVISOR DO?

Through weekly home visits, a trained parent advisor will provide:

• the family with useful information that will assist them to help their child learn important skills through daily routines
• and also provide support and encouragement to the family.

WHO CAN REFER TO TIPS?

Infnats and toddlers can be referred for TIPS services by parents, health care providers or other professionals. Please have the following information ready when making a referral.

• Name of child and parent/guardian
• Birth date of child
• Family's address/phone number

Office of Early Childhood Services
Tennessee Department of Education