3 Myths About Early Intervention Services
Early intervention can be confusing at first. Parents often think of stretching exercises, learning how to hold a spoon, or repeating a sound when they think of early intervention services. They become confused when the therapist requests to use activities that appear to be “just playing”. Most times, a child’s play is their work in early intervention therapy.
Here is a breakdown of exactly what early intervention entails, as well as a few common myths about these services.
What is Early Intervention?
Early intervention is a comprehensive system of services designed to support the development of infants and toddlers who have disabilities or developmental delays. This statewide program offers coaching, support, and services to families with children from birth to age five. The goal is to help these young ones acquire essential skills that typically develop during the first three years of life.
These skills span across various areas, including physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive development. By participating in an early intervention program, families can ensure their children receive the necessary support to thrive during these critical early years.
The Early Intervention Program Process
The journey through the early intervention program begins with a referral to your local program. If you have concerns about your child’s development, you can initiate this referral. Following the referral, your child will undergo a thorough evaluation and assessment to determine their eligibility for services.
If your child is deemed eligible, the next step is to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan is created collaboratively with your family and a team of professionals. The IFSP outlines your child’s strengths and needs, as well as the specific services and supports that will be provided to your family. This personalized approach ensures that the intervention is tailored to your child’s unique developmental journey.
The Importance of Early Intervention in Addressing Developmental Delays
Addressing developmental delays early on is crucial for a child’s growth and development. The first three years of life are a pivotal period for brain and body development. Early intervention can help children catch up on missed milestones and develop new skills.
It also empowers families by teaching them how to support their child’s development and address any concerns. By providing early intervention services, families can help their children reach their full potential and improve their overall quality of life. Early intervention is not just about the child; it’s about supporting the entire family’s daily routines and enhancing their ability to nurture their child’s development.
Who Provides Early Intervention Services?
Early intervention services are delivered by a dedicated team of licensed or credentialed professionals. This team may include therapists, counselors, teachers, and other specialists as needed.
They work collaboratively with your family to develop and implement the IFSP. Services and supports are provided in various settings that are familiar and comfortable for your child, such as your home, a child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, or an early childhood special education classroom. This approach ensures that the intervention is seamlessly integrated into your family’s daily routines, making it more effective and less disruptive.
Myth #1: Early intervention is only for children with intellectual disabilities and not for a child’s development.
An eligible child under the age of 3 can qualify for early intervention services if they have a disability or a developmental delay, as determined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This can include children who have yet to reach specific developmental milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking, grabbing objects, babbling, feeling, or even smiling.
Myth #2: The parents aren’t involved in early intervention therapy.
The parents need to be engaged with the child’s early intervention activities so they repeat them again and again. Parents serve as the child’s partner for many playtime activities like peek-a-boo, playing pretend, singing songs, and more.
Myth #3: It is expensive to receive early intervention services.
In Pennsylvania, there is no cost to you when receiving early intervention services. Additionally, your private insurance will not be billed.
Request Info About Early Intervention in Pennsylvania
To learn more about Early Intervention or to see if your child is eligible to receive early intervention services in Pennsylvania, contact ECCM to set up an appointment.