Early Intervention services are designed for infants and toddlers who may have a developmental delay or disability. Understanding eligibility is the first step toward getting your child the support they deserve.
A child may be eligible for Early Intervention services if they meet one of the following criteria, as determined by a qualified evaluation team.
Children from birth through 35 months (up to but not including their third birthday) are served under Early Intervention.
A child shows a measurable delay in one or more developmental areas: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive.
A child has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that is known to result in developmental delay (e.g., Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hearing loss).
In some cases, infants at significant biological or environmental risk of delay may also qualify — a specialist can help determine this.
Evaluations look at all five developmental domains. A measurable delay in any one area may establish eligibility.
The evaluation to determine eligibility is always free to families. Many Early Intervention services are also provided at no cost, depending on your family's situation and available funding.
A service coordinator will walk you through any financial details specific to your child's plan before services begin. No family is turned away due to an inability to pay.
From your first contact to the start of services, here's what you can expect — typically within 45 days of referral.
You, a doctor, a childcare provider, or any concerned adult can submit a referral. No formal diagnosis is required to request an evaluation.
A Helping Hands team member will reach out within 2 business days to discuss next steps and gather some basic information about your child.
A team of qualified professionals evaluates your child across all developmental areas at no cost to your family. This typically happens in your home or a familiar setting.
Based on the evaluation results, the team determines whether your child qualifies for Early Intervention services.
If eligible, you and the team create an IFSP together — a personalized plan outlining your child's goals and the services that will support them.
Services start in your child's natural environment (home, daycare, or community) with you as an active partner in every session.
PLACEHOLDER — replace in later phase with confirmed evaluation checklist