Early Intervention: What is it and why is it important?

by Molly Penttilla

Early intervention is a program that helps parents deal with issues surrounding speech, physical therapy and developmental delays, for children from birth to age three.

Are you concerned that your child is reaching milestones when you think they should? Is one of your twins "ahead" of the other in walking, talking, eating, moving etc?

You might be a candidate for Early Intervention (EI). Check with your pediatrician, if you are still concerned, ask for a referral to EI for an evaluation. Early Intervention is a program which helps parents of children, birth to age three to recognize and understand what their child's particular developmental needs are, and then teaches them ways to help their child grow. The Early Intervention team works with the family. Together they determine what type of help would be most beneficial, and put together an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP will specify all the education, training and support services a family will receive to best help their child. (from the MA Dept. of Public Health)

One other place to find out more about EI is by calling your school department, or local elementary school. Usually they are in some way working with EI after children reach school age. They can head you in the right direction.

The following is a link to a website that lists each states contact for EI. Use this as a guide and remember that the specific names of people may have changed since this was last updated. [1]

I have included in this essay some information that came from websites, educators and parents who have used the resources. If you would like to be included let me know and I would be more than happy to include your comments good and bad, for and against EI. If you have any questions that I haven’t answered let me know I would be more than happy to find the answer because you are probably not the only one who has the question.

Also included here are some of the milestones that your child will be reaching and a range of ages for them to happen. PLEASE remember this is a range of averages, every child develops differently and at different rates. Just because your child is not reaching these milestones doesn’t mean something is wrong just that you might want to get it checked out.

Developmentally, by the following ages your baby should:

0-3 months

• startle (react) to loud noises
• awaken from sleep when there is a loud sound
• coo and gurgle
• seem to recognize familiar voices

6 months

• turn his/her head toward a sound
• laugh when playing
• babble
• respond to your voice by making sounds

9 months:

• look up when called
• understand common words such as "no" or "bye-bye"
• use voice to get your attention
• respond differently to friendly and angry voices

12 months:

• respond to requests ("Come here", "do you want more?")
• uses consonant sounds in babbling
• begin to string some sounds together

18 months:

• uses some words
• uses gestures to express needs or wants (via pointing)
• follows simple spoken directions

24 months:

• uses approximately 15-20 words
• combines two words to make simple sentences
• identifies body parts when named
• identifies familiar animals or objects when named

Who is eligible for EI?

I used my state’s website for EI to get this information so you will want to check with your individual state for specifics but they are the federal guidelines put forth by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) (Info from the MA Dept of Public Health)

Any child up to three years of age and their family may be eligible for EI services if the child:

• Is not reaching age-appropriate milestones in one or more areas of development.
• Is diagnosed with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition that may result in a developmental delay.
• Is at risk for developmental delay due to various biological and/or environmental factors.

How do I find services?

The process is simple. Anyone (a parent, doctor, care giver, teacher, or friend) can make a referral, asking for a listing of certified Early Intervention Programs serving a particular city or town. Early Intervention services do not require a prescription. Referrals are made directly to a certified program.

An EI team will conduct a developmental assessment with the child and family to determine eligibility. This assessment will focus on specific areas of child development, including areas related to cognitive, language, motor, social, emotional, behavioral, and self-help skills. If the child is eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan is written based on the individual needs of the child and family. EI begins working with the child and family once the plan is completed, within 45 days of referral.

Who provides the services?

Services are provided by a professional and dedicated EI team, which includes the child’s family. Depending on the child’s needs, an EI team may also include an educator, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, and other specialty service providers. The child’s medical provider is considered a valuable member of this team

Where and when are services provided?

An EI team serves the child and family in what are called "natural environments", for example, in family homes, childcare centers, community play groups, or libraries. Serving children in natural environments helps them to participate more easily in their everyday activities and with their peers.

This came from another website (Massachusetts Government Web Site) explaining what EI can do for you.

The Birth to 3 Program - Are You the Parent of a Child Under 3?

Children do different things at different ages. Some babies sit without support at six months while others need help until they're nine months old. Some toddlers start talking when they're a year old. Others might take longer to say their first words.

If you're worried about the way your baby or toddler is developing, don't wait! The years from birth to age three are so important. Talk with your child's doctor about your concerns.

When you talk with your Dr., you'll learn about early intervention services. Your Dr. and Early Intervention can also provide you with information on other related services in your area. You'll get the name and phone number of agencies with people who can answer your questions.

There are people in your community who help children from birth to age three get the start they deserve. They are the therapists and social workers and nurses and teachers who provide early intervention services. They are there to help you and your child. Early intervention simply means help - the extra help your child needs now that might make a difference later.

Early Intervention has been federally mandated since 1997. Up until then, special services started at age 3. Research has found that the earlier you start treatment, the better the overall results. Also, they have found that by giving help early, many children are dismissed from the Special Education services by Kindergarten. The first article I linked is a press release by the government on the 2003 report to congress regarding Early Intervention. The second link is the actual Special Education Law as it was ratified in June of 1997.

Report that Early Intervention Works

Press Release

This is a copy of IDEA, the federal law regarding Special Education--if you read through you will notice that Special Ed includes Gifted and Talented Programs. EI is covered under Part C which starts on page 80

PDF document

I hope that this will answer some of your questions about early intervention, who needs it, who will benefit from it, how it works, and why it was created. If you have more questions about it please use the 'add reply' icon and someone can see what they can do to get you the answers you need.