What is Early Intervention? Is it a good choice for your family?
Is Early Intervention a good choice for your family? It might be!
Keep reading to learn more about the program and how your family can benefit!
Early Intervention (EI) is one of the most important federal resources available for families of young children.
The program provides high-quality therapy like speech therapy and physical therapy to eligible babies and toddlers under 3 years old. It also offers social services and supports for their families.
Depending on the child’s needs, early intervention services might include:
family training, counseling, and home visits
occupational, physical, or speech therapy
hearing loss services
health, nutrition, social work, and assistance with service coordination
assistive technology devices and services
transportation.
EI focuses on supporting children with the people and in the places and with the people they learn best: in the “natural environment” with their parents and caregivers.
Early intervention services are provided in the home and other settings in the local community, which include:
daycares and childcare programs
playgrounds
restaurants
public transportation
libraries
supermarkets
places of worship
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to get started and the programs are available in every US state and territory.
However, services end one day before your child turns 3 and your child is only found eligible for services if they meet your state’s criteria guidelines.
Call your state’s Early Intervention program today to find out how to get started!
