The CHIP Model
Community Based	The Early Literacy Initiative (ELI)
Family Centered Assessment	Eligibility
Communication Approaches	Service Coordination
Transition Program	Program Support
In-Home Sign Language Instruction	Deaf Adult Role Models
Bilingual Providers	Unilateral Hearing Loss
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)	Auditory Neuropathy
FAMILY Centered Philosophy

Eligibility

CHIP provides direct services to children identified with a hearing loss. The focus of the program is on the newborn through three year-old population. In Colorado, most children have a hearing loss diagnosed before six months of age. The children graduate from the program at three years old. There is a transition period, extending until a child is 3 1/2 years old, during which time they can continue to receive direct services.

Children with sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss are eligible for services. Children with unilateral hearing loss are offered consultative services. If a child with a unilateral hearing loss develops a speech or language delay, direct services become available. Children with chronic otitis media who have a documented hearing loss and an associated speech or language delay may receive direct services also.

Some children are identified with a hearing loss after their third birthday. These children are also eligible for family-centered intervention through CHIP.

Children with dual-sensory impairments (having both a hearing loss and a visual impairment) are eligible for technical assistance until the age of six years.

All children are financially eligible for services from CHIP. A variety of funding sources pay for services.