WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

(2)  To develop a coherent policy and statutory
structure with respect to mandated health insurance
benefits; and

(3)  To recommend legislation to implement the policy
developed by the Subcommittee.

EXECUTIVE ORDER OF OCTOBER 25, 1988

01.01.1988.15

MARYLAND'S INFANTS AND TODDLERS PROGRAM

WHEREAS, Congress, in 1986, enacted and the President signed
Public Law 99-457, which authorizes an early intervention
program;

WHEREAS, Maryland recognizes that the infant's developing
physical, cognitive, and social competencies are very
important, and a basic parent education and support program
should be available to every family in their role as primary
caregivers in the community for their children;

WHEREAS, As many as 50% of the developmental disabilities
children will experience could be prevented and the effects
of many other contributing factors could be alleviated with
appropriate early intervention services;

WHEREAS, Early identification of potential difficulties will
increase utilization of early intervention services and
ultimately reduce the need for more extensive and expensive
services at a later time;

WHEREAS, No one agency or discipline can meet the diverse and
complex needs of infants and toddlers with special needs and
their families;

WHEREAS, The Executive Department and the General Assembly have
recognized that when infants and toddlers with special needs
and those at risk, and their families need services from
multiple agencies, the goal should be to have the services
available in an accessible and flexible manner so the family
does not have the burden of dealing with a fragment delivery
system; and

WHEREAS, It is desirable to develop and implement a
comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary, interagency
program of early intervention services for all eligible
infants and toddlers, birth through age two, and their

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