Early Intervention

In 1986, the U.S. Congress created laws that provided special services for infants and toddlers. These services were urgent and significant for children with disabilities and development delayed. It was needed to enhance children development and minimize their potential for developmental delay. These range of services provided for infants and toddlers are what is referred to as Early Intervention. Early intervention involves children ages 0 to 3 who are at risk of a developmental delay or have disabilities. It provides services for children and their families to enhance daily opportunities for learning provided in children’s natural settings. In addition, these services are designed to identify and meet children’s needs in five developmental areas: physical, cognitive, adaptive, communicative, or social and/or emotional development. (First Sign, 2010) 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. Each state is provided grants from the federal government to provide comprehensive services and develops its own policies for carrying out IDEA and its requirements. Lastly, a complete evaluation of the child is necessary to decide whether he or she is eligible for Early Intervention programs. Services vary by state, but may include: Educational services, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Infant Development Programs, Speech therapy and Family counseling. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that children are given a multidisciplinary evaluation and assessment in order to determined the child’s capabilities and abilities and whether the child is eligible for Early Intervention services. If the child is eligible for the services, a team of early interventionists will develop a written plan called the Individualized