A child does not have to have a diagnosis to be referred -only a suspected delay identified when a child is missing developmental milestones or has failed a hearing/vision screening.

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires primary referral sources such as childcare workers and other individuals licensed or certified to work with young children to refer any child suspected of having a developmental delay for early intervention as soon as possible but no later than 7 days after a delay is suspected. 34 CFR §303.303(a)(2)(i)