What is Early Intervention

What is Early Intervention and Who is Eligible?

Early Intervention provides support and services to babies and children with developmental delays.

• Services include physical, occupational, feeding, and speech-language therapy based on the needs of the child and family.

• Services are provided in a natural setting which means providers come to your home to work with your baby.

• Programs are available in every state and territory. These publicly funded programs provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.

To find out more about your state’s Early Intervention program, go to the Center for Disease Control’s website. Find an Early Intervention Program in your state.

How to Get Started With Early Intervention

If you have concerns about your child’s development, you don’t have to wait. Getting started with Early Intervention varies state by state, but generally these are the steps you can follow:

1. Talk with your child’s doctor

   Share your concerns and ask for a referral to Early Intervention. Pediatricians can help guide you through next steps, but a referral is not always required.

   Download the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App to help track baby's development. Milestones are based on AAP and CDC resources, and can help to communicate with your healthcare provider or with Early Intervention to help focus your concern.

   Bonus: Whether you're looking to give your baby a boost, waiting for Early Intervention services, or didn't qualify but still have concerns, the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App also has activities from baby development experts to help all babies reach their full potential

2. Contact Early Intervention directly

   Parents and caregivers can self-refer by calling their state’s Early Intervention program and requesting an evaluation.

   To find out more about your state’s Early Intervention program, go to the Center for Disease Control’s website. Find an Early Intervention Program in your state.

3. Schedule an evaluation

   A Early Intervention team will assess your child’s development to determine eligibility and identify areas where support may help.

4. Create a Plan

   If your child qualifies, you’ll work with the team to develop a plan based on your child’s needs and your family’s priorities. Remember to speak up with your own concerns and goals!

   What to do while you wait for Early Intervention? (Link to alternate page)

5. Begin services at home

   If eligible, services typically start in your home or another natural environment and focus on supporting your child’s everyday routines.

To find your state’s Early Intervention program, visit the CDC’s website:

👉 Find an Early Intervention Program in Your State

Payment & Who Qualifies

Every state is different when it comes to which children and developmental concerns qualify. Generally, children ages 0–3 who may be experiencing delays in physical, cognitive, communication, or social-emotional development may be eligible for services, depending on evaluation results.

Some states offer free services, while other states have a sliding scale based on insurance. To find out more about your state’s requirements, go to the Center for Disease Control’s website.

Why It Matters

From birth to age three, Baby’s brain is like a sponge, ready to soak up new skills and build new neural pathways, known as neuroplasticity.

Because Baby’s brain is so flexible, this is a great time to guide their development.

Learn More about Neuroplasticity

Earlier is always better but it is never too late.