What is Early Intervention? 

Early Intervention is a no cost program for children birth to three who have been identified with special needs and meet the eligibility requirements. This program is designed to help families better meet the needs of their child through a Family Coaching Model Approach provided in the child’s natural environment with the active participation of their parents and other caregivers. These services can include: home based special instruction, service coordination, physical, occupational and speech therapies, case management services and tracking (monitoring a child’s development.)

What is the purpose of Early Intervention?

It is a comprehensive, coordinated, collaborative, and cohesive system of supports that optimizes children’s development with emphasis on their value to society. It supports the family’s responsibility of caring for their children, and helps answer questions regarding a child’s development. Through a screening process (Ages & Stages Questionnaire), we help children with developmental delays be more independent and assist communities in becoming more aware of the gifts and abilities of all children.

Who is eligible for services?

A child referred to our program has the option of receiving an evaluation conducted by a trained professional who will assess all five developmental areas (cognitive, physical, social/emotional, self-help, and language/speech.) If the child shows a delay of 25% or more (in months) in at least one of the five areas, they are eligible for services.

Additional qualifying criteria for Early Intervention Services include informed clinical opinion and diagnosed medical conditions which have a probability of resulting in developmental delay.

Who provides these services?

The Lycoming-Clinton MH/ID Program and Medical Access provides the funding for birth to three and the Intermediate Units in both counties fund from three to school age.