What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is a program that provides services to students ages 0-3 who have developmental delays or an identified diagnosis. Early Intervention comes by various names in each state, but it is available in all 50 states. This program is funded under Part C of IDEA. Many services are offered under Early Intervention: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work and Early Intervention Teacher. Additional services that could be included are consultant services such as audiology, hearing and vision, mobility specialist or nursing to name a few. In our state we fall under the department of education. This allows us to provide 2 levels of care at the district level. We are able to provide Part C only services or Part C combined with special education. In this way we are the entrance into the Michigan special education system that can provide services until a child is 26 if needed. Early Intervention services are provided in the natural environment of the child. This could be the home or daycare. Some programs may offer Parent Tot groups where children in Early Intervention attend a group with their parent. These groups would include children with and without an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). They may be taught by both a General Education teacher and Special Education teacher.
Early Intervention is a tool in early childhood pediatric care. Our referrals come from hospitals including NICUs, physicians, DHHS, parents as well as other sources. Many people have never heard of Early Intervention services. Depending on the state, Early Intervention services are free or at a reduced cost for children who qualify. In this respect Early Intervention fills a gap in services for many young children. Many children with developmental disabilities need additional services that fill in the gaps that outpatient or the medical community providers can not provide. Children with diagnoses that impact their development need services that will help them attain their highest potential. As Early Intervention providers we notice differences in function and development as we are working with children, some differences may be addressed by the provider, others may need additional consultation with a pediatrician. We listen to families and in those moments of sharing we may hear something that triggers a larger conversation and results in a recommendation to contact your pediatrician or primary care physician. We are in a position to teach parents how to be better observers and detectives with their children. We are helping them to become empowered parents and advocates for their children.
Why Early Intervention?
Early Intervention provides strategies and interventions that assist families and their children with daily routines and activities. We strive to help parents to become effective advocates and confident parents to their children. Early Intervention services allow families access to a variety of professionals who are able to provide support regarding all areas of development. In Michigan we use a primary service provider approach. Studies have shown value when a family and child form a relationship with one provider versus many as it shows they have less un met needs (1). Developmental Outcomes were better for children with one provider vs many (2). As a primary provider we have access to other providers who could coach us on areas where we need assistance and input. We are in the relationship business. We are afforded an opportunity to spend time with families weekly. More than other pediatric providers. We also have the flexibility to shift our focus to meet what the families needs are that day. We all understand that little ones with complicated symptoms and diagnoses have unforeseen issues arise. In Early Intervention our focus is on the family and therefore we can help wherever the family might need assistance on any given day.
Who should seek Early Intervention?
Any child who has at least a 20% delay in one or more areas of development, an underlying condition would generally qualify. In a state like Michigan you might also meet a Special Education eligibility title and therefore qualify for more frequent services. We also have the ability to use our clinical judgment and are encouraged to do so. Some students do not fit neatly in a box, may not have a diagnosis yet or may not qualify using a diagnostic test, but clinically we see that there is something concerning happening. We feel it is critical to provide service to those children who need it. We use all the tools at our discretion. We know that the earlier we provide service to children the less services they may need later. Therefore the importance of a program that identifies children who need intervention at an early age is crucial to students and their families.
When should you seek early intervention?
The earlier we identify a need for children the better. Once a child reaches 3 services switch to a school based model. Since early Intervention services are provided in a child’s natural environment, with family present, we want to have every moment we can to coach the family on intervention strategies to help their families and their children. It has become more and more frequent for referrals to come at an earlier age. Many children are referred from the hospital before they are even discharged from the NICU. In early intervention this is appreciated. We become a part of the family's routines right away. This allows us to provide the much needed interventions at the earliest time possible.
If a family has any concern at all about their child’s development we encourage them to discuss their concerns with their pediatrician. Families may also reach out to their local early intervention program. Pathways.org is a website that provides resources related to development including developmental milestones. This could be helpful when talking to the pediatrician or early intervention program
Here is a link to all the Early Intervention Programs in the US:
Here in Michigan the Early On motto is "Don't worry - but don't wait." For services in Michigan call 1-800-EarlyOn or use their website https://www.1800earlyon.org/
1.Sloper, P., & Turner, S. (1992). Service Needs of Families of Children With Severe Physical Disability. Child: Care, Health and Development, 18(5), 259-282.
2.Shonkoff, J.P., Hauser-Cram, P., Krauss, M.W., & Upshur, C.C. (1992) Development of Infants With Disabilities and Their Families: Implications for Theory and Service Delivery. Monographs of the Society for Research and Child Development, 57(6), 1-163