Omaha families reach Nebraska's Part C early intervention system, the Early Development Network, through the Omaha-area office run by Educational Service Unit 3, request a school evaluation through Omaha Public Schools' Child Find process, and pursue longer-term support through DHHS's Division of Developmental Disabilities and its Medicaid waivers.

This page lists the referral numbers, web pages, and publicly documented details behind each of those, drawn from Nebraska state and Omaha-area agency sources.

Statewide programs, numbers, and rights are on the Nebraska page. This page adds the local entry points that are specific to Omaha (Douglas County).

Early intervention under 3: Nebraska Early Development Network (EDN) — Omaha area

Nebraska's Part C early intervention system, the Early Development Network, is co-administered by the state's Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Anyone concerned about a child's development — a family member, physician, child care provider, or other professional — can start a referral by calling the statewide line at 1-888-806-6287; in the Omaha area, referrals are also handled through Educational Service Unit 3's dedicated EDN office. A Services Coordinator is assigned to follow up with the family within seven days of referral.

• Nebraska Early Development Network (EDN) — Omaha area
• Referral phone: 1-888-806-6287

New to early intervention? Read the plain-language guide first.

School districts and special education

Omaha Public Schools conducts ongoing Child Find activities to locate and evaluate resident children and students who may benefit from special education under Nebraska statute, including children below age five. The Student Assistance Team process handles concerns raised by a parent or educator before a formal evaluation begins; contact the district's Special Education Department at 531-299-0244 to start. Families in neighboring Millard Public Schools, also within the Omaha metro, go through that district's own special education office.

• Omaha Public Schools — Special Education Department 531-299-0244; see also ops.org/Page/685 for Nebraska ChildFind
• Millard Public Schools — serves the Millard area of southwest Omaha

IEP or 504 · If you disagree with the school

Evaluation and diagnosis pathways in Omaha

We have not yet verified a hospital or university evaluation program with public intake information in Omaha. That is a gap in our research, not a sign there is nothing here — and it does not stand between you and an evaluation. The school district evaluation above is free, and early intervention under 3 does not need a private diagnosis first.

How assessment works · What to do while you wait

Disability services and waivers: Nebraska DHHS — Division of Developmental Disabilities

Nebraska's Division of Developmental Disabilities, part of the state Department of Health and Human Services, manages Medicaid's home- and community-based waivers for autistic children and adults with developmental disabilities — a family support waiver, a day services waiver, and a more comprehensive waiver for higher need. The state recently eliminated its long-standing waitlist; families now apply through the department's iServe portal, and DHHS reports it typically takes about a month to hear back once an application is complete.

• Nebraska DHHS — Division of Developmental Disabilities

Local organizations that help Omaha families

We have not yet verified a local parent organization in Omaha. Statewide help still covers you: the Nebraska guide lists the federally funded parent center and the free disability rights organization for the whole state, and both take calls from families anywhere in Nebraska.

Documented waits and access notes

Wait times change. Each note below links to the public source it came from — confirm current status directly with the program.

• State guidance requires Omaha Public Schools to complete a child's evaluation by whichever deadline comes sooner — 45 school days or 60 calendar days — starting from the date a parent signs consent. (source)
• Once an Omaha-area family's referral reaches Educational Service Unit 3's Early Development Network office, state Part C rules require the screening, evaluation, and the child's first IFSP meeting to be finished within 45 calendar days. (source)