Early Childhood Intervention in PA
 

While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Although there are several ways to manage autism at home, many children with developmental delays or disabilities benefit from Early Intervention supports and services. There is no cost to the family for these services.

What is Early Intervention in PA?

Early Intervention is a family-centered program that is based on the belief that the most significant time for identification and treatment of children with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities and delays is during the earliest possible stages of development. 

This program emphasizes collaboration among parents, service providers, and individual special districts to ensure comprehensive support. Appointments can be held in-person or remotely through early intervention teletherapy. 

What do Service Coordinators do? 

Service coordinators help meet the child’s needs by coordinating and monitoring early intervention services, assisting in any issues that may arise, and providing information and resources to help the child succeed. They play a crucial role in child welfare by ensuring that children from birth receive the necessary support.

Early Intervention Service Coordination Includes: 

 

• Screening for developmental delays.

• Connecting your child with a multi-disciplinary Erie County assessment to determine if your child is eligible for services.

• Determining eligibility for early intervention either through a qualifying diagnosis or through a multi-disciplinary evaluation, during which there is a 25% delay or more in at least one of the five developmental areas:

1. Cognitive
2. Communication
3. Social/Emotional
4. Physical
5. Adaptive

• Working with you to develop the therapy plan that can best help your child.

• Offering a list of qualified providers specific to the therapy plan.

• Monitoring the services your child receives to ensure the best outcomes.

• Connecting you and your child to other services available throughout the human services system.

• Answering any questions about your child's needs.

Your child can also be enrolled in our tracking program if he or she is at risk of falling behind developmentally.

Early Intervention FAQs

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