Early intervention services are designed to address a problem or delay in development as early as possible.
- The services are available for children up to age three.
- Contracted agencies serve as the Early Intervention Program providers (EIPs) and arrange for early intervention practitioners to address the needs of eligible children and their families.
- Following the evaluation and assessment, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to describe the services that are needed by the child and family and how they will be implemented.
- Services are provided by qualified practitioners in natural environments, settings in which children without special needs ordinarily participate and that are most comfortable and convenient for the family, such as the home, a community agency, or a child care facility.
- Services may include family training and counseling, health/medical/nursing/social work/psychological service, hearing, vision and/or language services, occupational or physical therapy services, or nutrition support.
