What is early intervention?

Each state has its own rules for which kids qualify. In most states, kids must have either:

1. A developmental delay, or

2. A specific health condition that will probably lead to a delay. This includes things like certain genetic disorders, birth defects, and hearing loss.

In a few states, kids may get services if they’re at risk for a developmental delay because of factors like low birth weight, drug exposure, and other environmental issues. Explore the rules in your state in this chart from the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center.

Find out how to request an early intervention evaluation.

A child who qualifies may receive one or more of these services:

• Speech and language therapy

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Psychological services

• Home visits

• Medical, nursing, or nutrition services

• Hearing (audiology) or vision services

• Social work services

• Transportation

• Assistive technology 

A service coordinator from the early intervention program will help set up and schedule services.

Learn about:

• At-home early intervention services

• Types of specialists who work with babies and toddlers

Every U.S. state and territory provides these services through its own program. But federal law provides grants to each state from the federal government. This allows kids who qualify for early intervention to get services free of charge or at low cost.

Some states may charge for early intervention services on a sliding fee scale. Or they may bill a family’s insurance company for some of the services.

Learn more about who pays for early intervention services.

Early intervention services usually last until a child’s third birthday. When a child turns 3, the service coordinator holds a transition meeting to talk about moving from early intervention services to special education services under IDEA. These services can pick up where early intervention leaves off.

A few months before a child’s third birthday, the early intervention team and the family will discuss the transition. If a child is eligible, a member of the local school district will work with the family to set up preschool special education services.