What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is a statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of young children with disabilities. In Ohio, the Early Intervention Program fulfills the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C.
A coordinated system
Early Intervention (EI) services support parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities. EI is grounded in the philosophy that young children learn best from familiar people in familiar settings. Your local EI team — which includes a service coordinator and service providers — works with you in your home or other places you and your family spend time to develop a coordinated plan.
Built on a developmental approach
EI builds upon and provides supports and resources to help parents and caregivers enhance children's learning and development through everyday routines. It is a collaborative, home- and community-based system where you and a team work together to provide ongoing support to your child.
The role of the family
Recognize the critical role you and other caregivers play in your child's development.
- Share your interests, priorities, needs, and questions with your primary service provider.
- Set goals based on how your child's progress fits with what is important to your family.
- Learn from the team so you can work with your child during everyday routines between visits.
The role of the intervention team
The team uses child and family interests as the foundation for intervention.
- Partner with parents and caregivers to support children as they learn and grow.
- Focus on enhancing children's participation in existing and desired family, community, and early-childhood experiences.
- Work together so each team member's expertise helps parents meet the goals they have for their child.
- Help families find answers to their tough questions.
Seven principles of Early Intervention
- Infants and toddlers learn best through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts.
- All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children's learning and development.
- The primary role of a service provider is to work with and support family members and caregivers in children's lives.
- The EI process, from initial contacts through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child's and family's preferences, learning styles, and cultural beliefs.
- IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) outcomes must be functional and based on children's and families' needs and family-identified priorities.
- The family's priorities, needs, and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who receives team and community support.
- Interventions must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research, and relevant laws and regulations.
Have concerns about your child's development?
To make a referral, call 1-800-755-GROW. To access the ASQ developmental questionnaire online, visit helpmegrow.org/ASQ. Information provided by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (Rev. 07/2024).