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Every child develops at their own pace, but certain milestones mark healthy progress. Early Intervention (EI) services provide a valuable resource if caregivers have concerns about their child's development. This program offers free or low-cost support to young children with developmental delays or disabilities.
The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities is a federal program in the United States designed to provide support and services to children from birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities.
Administered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this program helps enhance the development of infants and toddlers by offering a range of services, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and family counseling.
Services are tailored to each child's needs and are typically provided in natural environments like the child's home or community settings. The goal is to support the child and the family in fostering development and addressing any challenges early on.
Early Intervention addresses many developmental delays:
Eligibility for Early Intervention services is determined by each state, but generally, infants and toddlers from birth to age three may qualify if they exhibit developmental delays or have a diagnosed physical or mental condition likely to result in developmental delays.
To be eligible, a child typically must:
If you have concerns about your child's development, initiate the evaluation process by contacting your state's Early Intervention program. Many hospitals and pediatricians can connect family caregivers with the appropriate resources.
If you, your child's doctor, or another caregiver have concerns about your child's development, contact your state's early intervention program to explore potential services. You do not require a referral from a doctor.
The evaluation process is designed to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible for caregivers. What can you expect?
The statewide program provides development evaluations for children with disabilities from birth to age 3. The evaluation team uses special tools to assess infants' development, which may include standardized assessments designed to identify delays, observation of children at play, hearing and vision screenings, and questionnaires.
These services are available to children under age 3 and are often covered by health insurance. The program also offers resource materials and services for infants in a community setting.
Family caregivers with toddlers with disabilities may be eligible for intervention services provided by the school district. If the child qualifies, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed. The plan may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing services, and nutrition services. It will also specify who will provide the services and how often.
Intervention services are offered at no cost to families, and additional resources and support are accessed through the child care center and other adaptive development programs to integrate services into the child's daily routines.
The EI process is meant to help caregivers through the process. What steps do you need to take?
Funding for Early Intervention services primarily comes from federal, state, and local sources. The federal government provides funding through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), specifically designated for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
States are responsible for administering the program and often contribute additional funds to support these services. Funding may also come from Medicaid, private insurance, and other state-specific sources or grants. Some states charge families a sliding-scale fee based on income, while others provide services at no cost to families.
Early Intervention programs can empower families with the tools and resources to support their child's growth. Whether through speech therapy, physical therapy, or other specialized services, Early Intervention can improve outcomes for children. We encourage families to take advantage of these resources and connect with their state's program to explore available support options.
