How Early Intervention Supports Social, Mental and Emotional Development

Early intervention is a system of coordinated services designed to promote a child’s growth and development while supporting families during the critical early years. These services are federally mandated for eligible children and families under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Establishing a partnership between parents and professionals at this stage benefits the child, family, and the community as a whole.

Benefits of Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services delivered within the family context can significantly:

• Improve developmental and educational outcomes.
• Reduce future costs related to special education, rehabilitation, and healthcare needs.
• Alleviate feelings of isolation, stress, and frustration that families may experience.
• Help children with disabilities grow into productive, independent individuals.

The earlier children with or at risk of disabilities receive assistance, and the sooner families receive support for their children’s development, the more successful these children will be in life.

Steps in the Early Intervention Process

Referral

1. Referral (unless objected by parents):
   • A referral source or parent suspects a child has a developmental delay or disability.
   • Families are informed about the benefits of the Early Intervention Program.
   • The child is referred to the Early Intervention Official (EIO) within two days of identification.
   • The EIO assigns an Initial Service Coordinator.

Initial Service Coordinator

• Provides information about the Early Intervention Program (EIP).
• Informs the family of their rights.
• Reviews a list of evaluators.
• Obtains insurance or Medicaid information.
• Collects other relevant information.

Evaluation

• Evaluates eligibility with parental consent.
• Conducts an optional family assessment.
• Gathers information for the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Submits a summary and report before the IFSP meeting.

The IFSP Meeting

• Families identify desired outcomes.
• Specifies early intervention services.
• Develops a written plan.
• Family and EIO agree to the IFSP.

Early Intervention Services Offered

• Assistive technology devices and services: Equipment and services to improve abilities in activities like playing, communication, eating, or moving.
• Audiology: Services for identifying and preventing hearing loss.
• Family training: Assists families in understanding and promoting child development.
• Medical services: Only for diagnostic or evaluation purposes.
• Nursing services: Health status assessment, nursing care provision to prevent health issues, and promote development.
• Nutrition services: Addresses nutritional needs and feeding skills.
• Occupational therapy: Focuses on self-help skills, adaptive behavior, play, and sensory-motor development.
• Physical therapy: Aims to prevent or reduce movement difficulties.
• Psychological services: Involves testing and planning for mental health and development.
• Service coordination: Assists families in coordinating services and obtaining rights under the EIP.
• Social work services: Assesses social and emotional strengths, offering counseling or family training.
• Special instruction: Designs learning environments to support development.
• Speech-language pathology: Addresses delays in communication and motor skills.
• Vision services: Identifies visual disorders and provides necessary training.
• Health services: Ensures child benefits from other interventions.
• Transportation and related costs: Covers travel necessary for receiving services.

Review and Transition

• Review Six Months/Evaluate Annually:
  Decisions are made to continue, modify, or adjust outcomes and services. Reviews can be done sooner upon request.
• Transition:
  Transition plans are included in the IFSP, preparing for the shift to other early childhood services.

Service Model Options

Home and Community-Based Visits

Services delivered at home or in the community, such as a relative’s home or child care center.

Facility or Center-Based Visits

Services provided at locations like offices, hospitals, clinics, or intervention centers.

Parent-Child Groups

Parents and children receive services together in a community setting led by a provider.

Family Support Groups

Family members gather for support, sharing concerns and information under the guidance of a provider.

Group Developmental Intervention

Services provided in group settings without parents, including children eligible for early intervention and those without disabilities.

Eligibility for the Early Intervention Program

Children under three years old with a disability or developmental delay are eligible. Disabilities may include Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, vision or hearing impairments. Developmental delay means a child is behind in at least one development area.

Determining Eligibility

All referred children have the right to a free multidisciplinary evaluation to assess eligibility and better understand strengths and needs. Children with diagnosed conditions leading to developmental delays are always eligible.

Areas of Development

1. Cognitive: Involves memory, reasoning, and decision-making.
2. Physical (Vision and Hearing): Addresses movement difficulties and growth.
3. Speech-Language: Relates to communication delays and motor skills.
4. Social/Emotional: Assesses social and emotional strengths and needs.
5. Adaptive Development: Involves self-help skills for daily living.

Understanding Developmental Delay

In New York State, developmental delay is defined as a child not reaching age-appropriate milestones. Delays are measured using clinical opinion and diagnostic procedures.

• 12-month delay in one area
• 33% delay in one area or 25% delay in two areas

Babies Can’t Wait!

Children develop at their own pace, so it’s normal for families to have concerns. If you worry about your child’s development, contact a healthcare provider or early intervention program.

Taking the First Step

If concerned about your child’s development, refer them for evaluation and assessment. This can be done directly or through a physician or professional. A service coordinator will assist throughout the process.