Understanding Early Intervention for Young Children

What is early intervention?

Early intervention is the term used to describe services available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. Early Intervention (EI) is also a federally mandated statewide program that supports infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or are at risk for developmental delays. Anyone can refer a child to Early Intervention, including pediatricians, parents, grandparents, and childcare providers. This allows families to access valuable services that can help their child reach important developmental milestones.

What is a developmental delay?

Developmental milestones are skills that children learn as they grow, such as walking and talking. A developmental delay is when a child does not reach these milestones within the expected age range.

Why is early intervention important?

Your child’s brain grows very quickly in the first few years of life. Finding developmental delays early can help your child get the support they need for the best possible outcomes. Research shows that early intervention for developmental delays can help improve learning and long-term development.

Early intervention doesn’t just work to help the child, it also coaches and supports parents and caregivers to embed learning and development into everyday routines and activities, which increases the impact far beyond therapy sessions.

How do Early Intervention programs work?

Early Intervention (EI) is authorized under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, each state runs its own early intervention program with its own name, eligibility rules, and services. This results in a federally mandated and partially funded program that’s state administered.

For children under age 3: Early Intervention services are available in all states and U.S. territories for children who qualify. Services may be provided in the child’s home, childcare center, nursery, or classroom. Learn more about your state’s program by visiting the CDC Early Intervention Contact Information Page.

For children age 3 or older: Talk with your local public school district about available early childhood intervention and services, even if your child does not attend school there.

What are some examples of Early Intervention services?

Family education is a focus because it provides information and strategies to families at critical times when early intervention can do the most good. Addressing delays early can reduce the severity of some developmental issues and lower the likelihood that a child will need more intensive services later.

Other EI services that may be available based on your child’s needs:

• Speech therapy improves feeding and communication skills.
• Occupational therapy develops fine motor skills.
• Physical therapy builds strength, movement, and balance.

What can families do at home?

Your child’s everyday experiences at home help build their growing brain. You can support their development by turning daily routines into opportunities to learn and connect. Here are a few simple things you can do:

• Read books to your child.
• Let your child play with various age-appropriate toys.
• Name and describe objects to your child.
• Talk, sing, and play with your child during the day.

What happens during an Early Intervention evaluation?

If you decide to have your child evaluated, the Early Intervention program must complete the initial evaluation within 45 days of receiving a referral. Early Intervention services are typically free to families through IDEA. In some cases, it may be determined that your child is developing within the expected age range and does not need Early Intervention services.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the process:

1. Place a referral or contact your local Early Intervention office.
   • Your pediatrician can place a referral to your state’s Early Intervention program.
   • Parents and caregivers can also call their local office or make a referral online.
2. Your child will be scheduled for an evaluation.
   • A service coordinator will be assigned to your family to help guide you through the evaluation process.
3. Your child will receive a developmental evaluation and assessment.
   • The evaluation may happen in your home or another place where your child feels comfortable.
   • The evaluation team will assess your child’s development and identify areas of strength and need.
4. Develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
   • If your child is eligible for services, you and your care team will develop an IFSP.
   • The IFSP explains what services your child may receive and how Early Intervention can help.

When do I need an early intervention evaluation?

If you’re worried about your child’s development, talk to your child’s pediatrician.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also created a set of tools for parents to review, measure, and track children’s expected milestones.

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Written by: Saheedat Sulaimon, MD, MPH, a second-year pediatrics resident at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware