What is Early Intervention?
All children grow and change at their own rate. Some children can experience delays in their development. Sometimes this can be cause for concern. Early Intervention has services and supports to help families with children from birth to age five who have developmental delays or disabilities.
Early Intervention helps children grow and develop through individualized services and supports. These may be provided at home, in child care, in private or public preschools, Early Head Start and Head Start, or combinations of these. The Early Intervention team works with families, caregivers, and early learning professionals to help families identify natural learning opportunities that fit their schedules, preferences and interests.
How much does Early Intervention cost? What services are provided?
Early intervention supports and services are provided at no cost to families. Services may include:
- information on how children develop skills and abilities;
- education and support for the parent/caregiver, and
- specific developmental therapies designed for their child.
Early intervention can also assist families in finding and linking to community services and supports.
How so families know if their child is eligible for Early Intervention?
A first step for any family with a concern about their child’s development is to call CONNECT Services toll-free at 1-800-692-7288 or email connecthelp@tiu11.org. The family will be connected to their local Early Intervention program. The Early Intervention program will determine if the child is eligible for services.