Early intervention

Early intervention refers to the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.

Definition

Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life.

Importance

Early intervention services can change a child’s developmental path and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. Help your child, help your family! Families benefit from early intervention by being able to better meet their children’s needs from an early age and throughout their lives.

Services

Services may include occupational therapy to help an infant learn to hold her bottle, physical therapy to help her learn to roll over, or speech therapy to help her learn to eat. Most early intervention services take place in the home or, for school-aged children, at school. Services can also be provided in a child care center, playground, library, or any place parents and children typically go. Services are provided at no cost or low cost to families.

Eligibility

In all states, children who are eligible for early intervention services must have a condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay. These conditions could include Down syndrome, autism, a hearing loss, or being born prematurely. Each state has different criteria for determining which children are eligible for early intervention services.

See Also

• Child development
• Developmental delay
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

Early intervention Resources
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