Broadly speaking, early intervention services are special services for eligible infants and toddlers and their families. These services are designed to identify and meet children’s needs in five developmental areas. These areas are:
• physical development;
• cognitive development;
• communication;
• social or emotional development; and
• adaptive development.
Early intervention services are an effective way to address the needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. The services are made available through a federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA provides states and territories with specific requirements for providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with special needs. In turn, each state and territory develops its own policies for carrying out IDEA and its requirements.
Under IDEA, a complete evaluation of the child is necessary to decide whether he or she is eligible for early intervention services.
My child seems to be developing much slower than other children. Would he/she be eligible for early intervention services?
It is possible that your child may be eligible for early intervention, but more investigation is necessary to determine that. Some children develop more slowly than others or develop in ways that seem different from other children. This can cause parents to worry. If you think that your child is not developing at the same pace or in the same way as most children his or her age, it is often a good idea to talk first to your child’s pediatrician. Explain your concerns. Tell the doctor what you have observed with your child. Your child may have a disability or what is known as a developmental delay, or he or she may be at risk of having a disability or delay.
Developmental delay is a term that means an infant or child is developing slower than normal in one or more areas (Anderson, Chitwood, & Hayden, 1997). For example, he or she may not be sitting up (or walking or talking) when most children of that age are. The term at risk means that a child’s development may be delayed unless he or she receives early intervention services.
IDEA describes broadly who is eligible for early intervention services. This includes a child with a diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. It also includes a child experiencing a developmental delay. At the State’s discretion, at-risk infants and toddlers may also be eligible for services.
So, if you are concerned about your child’s development, you will need to have your child evaluated to find out if he or she is eligible for early intervention services. This evaluation is provided at no cost to you. There are many people who can help you with this.
