All children develop at their own pace and in their own way. However, as a parent, there may be times when things don’t seem to develop as you thought they should, such as when your child has trouble walking, talking, or having a hard time connecting and playing with others.
That’s when early intervention services can help provide guidance, support, and clarity for both you and your child.
As a parent, early intervention can benefit your child when there are signs of developmental delay. This guide will help you understand what early intervention services are and how they can benefit your child.
What Are Early Intervention Services?
Early intervention is designed to help children with developmental delays and disabilities from birth to the age of 3 years. It is a very important aid in the development of skills such as communication, movement, play, and emotional attachment, as children develop and change most around this age.
Early intervention is family-centered, goal-oriented, and child-specific, meaning that each approach is unique and is tailored to specific children’s needs:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Developmental therapy
- Parent education and training
- Behavioral therapy
It is offered in an area that is comfortable for the child, such as the child’s home, daycare, community, and therapy settings.
Who is Eligible for Early Intervention?
Eligibility for early intervention services is usually determined by an evaluation. Your state’s early intervention program will evaluate your child in several important areas:
- Communication (verbal and nonverbal)
- Motor skills (fine and gross motor)
- Social and emotional development
- Cognitive skills (problem-solving, play)
- Adaptive/self-help skills (feeding, dressing)
Children can be eligible for early intervention if they have a diagnosed condition (such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy), or if they appear to be delayed in one or more of these areas despite not having a diagnosed condition.
You do not need a referral from a doctor to ask for an evaluation. In most states, you can contact your early intervention program yourself.
Why Early Intervention Services Matter for Your Child’s Development
The first three years of a child’s life are a time of tremendous brain development. This is a time when the brain is particularly sensitive to learning and change. This is why early intervention can be so effective.
Early intervention can:
- Enhance communication and social skills
- Increase coordination and motor skills
- Assist with daily activities (eating, sleeping, playing)
- Decrease frustration for the child and family
- Provide a foundation for success in preschool and beyond
Small changes can make a big difference during these years and throughout a child’s life.
The Early Intervention Process: What Parents Can Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what the early intervention process typically looks like:
1. Referral
You can refer your own child for an early intervention evaluation at any time, without needing a pediatrician’s referral. Anyone can make a referral, including the child’s parent, daycare provider, or physician.
2. Evaluation
A team of professionals will evaluate your child’s development. This involves talking with you, observing your child, and using simple tools or activities to evaluate your child’s skills.
3. Eligibility
If your child is eligible, you will receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This document outlines your child’s goals, services, and the details of how and where these services will be provided.
4. Services Begin
Early intervention is usually provided in your home or your child’s “natural environment” and are designed to actively involved parents and caregivers as key members of the therapy team.
5. Ongoing Support and Review
An IFSP is reviewed at least every six months to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. A full annual review occurs once per year, and families can request changes at any time.
Children transition out of early intervention services by their third birthday, either because they no longer require services or because they move into preschool special education programs.
How Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education Supports Early Intervention
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we are here to help you and your family with your concerns from the very beginning. We can help you with:
- Information about when and how to ask for an evaluation
- Support during the early intervention process
- ABA therapy for your child after the age of 3 (if needed)
- A team of professionals who are here to listen and help.
We believe in early intervention and know you’re not alone in this process.
Helping Your Child Thrive Through Early Intervention
If you’re wondering whether your child is developing properly, or if things just don’t seem right, early intervention can bring clarity and direction to your life and actual assistance to your child. You don’t have to wait any longer. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t even have to know what questions to ask. All you have to do is take the next step, and we’ll help you take it from there. Contact us today to learn more about how early intervention can help your child thrive and bring peace to your mind.
