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Concerned about your child's development?
Parents who have questions about their child's development (0-5 Years) may call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288 or email help@connectpa.net, or submit a form online.
"The Office of Early Intervention (EI) provides evidence-based coaching supports & services to infants/toddlers (birth to age 3) and their families when children are experiencing a developmental delay or have a diagnosis that results in developmental delay.
The supports and services are at no cost to eligible infants, toddlers, and their families. The Office of Early Intervention is part of a statewide Early Intervention system under the direction of the state Bureau of Early Intervention, Office of Child Development and Early Learning".
Intermediate Units offers a vast array of programs and services for eligible* young children with special needs and developmental delays in the preschool years. Parent can refer a child for a screening and evaluation which is provided FREE of charge to eligible children and families.
*A child is eligible for Early Intervention services by meeting one of the following criteria:
- 25% delay and/or 1.5 Standard Deviations below the mean (depending on testing tool) in one or more areas of development
- A specialist’s determination that there is a delay not measured by available assessments, and the delay results in functional limitations of the child’s daily activity (Informed Clinical Opinion)
- Known physical or mental conditions which have a high probability for developmental delays (such as Down Syndrome).
Eligibility for Early Intervention services is not based on the financial status of a child or family, and are only based on the findings of the evaluation.
For children who are not eligible or are on a waitlist, we've collected the most recommended private providers of assessment and treatment on our directory.
Philadelphia County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County
Early Intervention Explained...
"While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Children in Pennsylvania with developmental delays and disabilities benefit from a state supported collaboration among parents, service practitioners and others who work with young children. Pennsylvania's Early Intervention program provides coaching support and services to families with children, from birth to age five, with developmental delays and disabilities. Early intervention builds upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family.
Early Intervention supports services and resources for children that enhance daily opportunities for learning provided in settings where a child would be if they did not have a developmental delay and disability, provides families' independence and competencies, and respects families' strengths, values and diversity. Supports and services are designed to meet the developmental needs of children with a disability, as well as the needs of the family related to enhancing the child's development in one or more of the following areas:
- Physical development, including vision and hearing
- Cognitive development
- Communication development
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development
Eligibility and Services
Children from birth to age five who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services.
The services provided to children and their families differ based upon the individual needs and strengths of each child and the child's family. Services may be provided in the child's home, child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, early childhood special education classroom or other settings familiar to the family. Early Intervention supports and services are embedded in typical routines and activities, within the family, community and/or early care and education settings. This approach provides frequent, meaningful practice and skill-building opportunities.
Costs
Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families.
Make a Referral
Parents who have questions about their child's development may call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288 or email help@connectpa.net, or submit a form online.
The CONNECT Helpline assists families in locating resources and providing information regarding child development for children ages birth to age five. In addition, CONNECT can assist parents by making a direct link to their county Early Intervention program or local preschool Early Intervention program. If you are unable to connect with your EI program, or you have difficulty starting teleintervention services, please email the Office of Child Development and Early Learning: ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov."
