The Early Intervention program serves children birth to three years old that have a developmental delay, disability, or a medical diagnosis. Early Intervention provides services and supports as early as possible to enhance your family’s ability to meet the developmental needs of your child. It has been proven that infants and toddlers learn best through every day experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar settings. This is why services are provided in the child’s natural environment. This could mean your home, a babysitter’s or relative’s house, a park, a restaurant, daycare, or wherever your family goes on a regular basis. We use your child’s interests and favorite activities to help them meet their developmental milestones.
How Early Intervention Works
Early Intervention is a team approach and family members play an important role on that team. A Service Coordinator will call to set up a time to meet with you to discuss your daily routines, priorities, and concerns. He or she will share this information with the team so that they can get to know your child and family. Your service coordinator will then organize a developmental evaluation/assessment with another member of the team. They will interact with your child to see what your child’s strengths are and what they may need extra help with. This will help to determine whether your child is eligible for services. Your service coordinator will share the information with the rest of the Early Intervention team.
Early Intervention teams are comprised of:
- Developmental Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Speech and Language Pathologist
- EI Service Coordinators
- Family Members
Based on your child’s needs, one of these team members will be selected as your Primary Service Provider (PSP) to work with your family.
Additional Information
All services are provided at no cost to your family. Your PSP will use a coaching model of service and will suggest strategies to try with your child during the time between visits. You are your child’s best teacher and your PSP will be there to provide support as you try new techniques to help your child. The Early Intervention team meets on a weekly basis and your PSP will have access to the entire team if other questions or concerns come up. You are always welcome to attend the meetings to discuss your child’s ongoing development.
To find out more information or to make a referral, call 419-238-6200.
What age group does the Early Intervention program serve?
The Early Intervention program serves children birth to three years old that have a developmental delay, disability or a medical diagnosis.
