What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention refers to services and support provided to babies and toddlers, typically from birth to 3 years of age, to address developmental delays or disabilities and support their families. These services may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other specialized interventions tailored to the needs of each child and family (CDC, 2023).

a baby playing with toys
a baby playing with toys

Talk to your child's doctor

If you notice your child is not meeting developmental milestones or if you have concerns about their behavior, speech, movement, or learning, discuss these with your child's doctor. Early action can make a significant difference in your child's development.

Complete a milestone checklist

Use tools like the Milestone Tracker app by the CDC, or milestone checklists to track your child's development. Share the completed checklist with your child's healthcare provider to discuss any areas of concern.

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Early Intervention Services?

Request a referral to a specialist

If developmental delays are suspected, ask your child's doctor for a referral to a specialist, they can conduct a more precise evaluation to assess your child's needs.

Seek Developmental Screening

If you or your child's doctor have concerns about their development, consider seeking a developmental screening. This process can help identify any potential delays early on. At Intertherapy, we provide comprehensive developmental screenings to assess your child's developmental progress and identify areas where they may benefit from early intervention services.

Get an evaluation

Get an Evaluation: Contact Intertherapy to request an evaluation for your Child. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing thorough evaluations to determine the best course of action for your child's developmental needs.

child building an four boxes
child building an four boxes

Why are Early Intervention Services Important

Early intervention is crucial for maximizing potential and promoting healthy development. By intervening early, we optimize the brain's flexibility in the first three years of life, setting the stage for success in learning, behavior, and health. These services prevent the negative impact of stress, providing positive early experiences that shape lifelong outcomes. Families benefit by meeting their child's needs early and throughout their whole lives, anticipating challenges that could arise as a result of delays that their child may experience.

woman in white and black floral dress carrying baby
woman in white and black floral dress carrying baby
person his right foot painting on white paper
person his right foot painting on white paper

Your child's milestones

Understanding your child's developmental milestones is crucial for their growth and well-being. Below, you'll find a checklist of key developmental milestones for children, organized by age range. Use this checklist to track your child's progress and ensure they are meeting important milestones in areas such as communication, motor skills, social skills, and more. This checklist was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Early intervention is crucial for maximizing potential and promoting healthy development. By intervening early, we optimize the brain's flexibility in the first three years of life, setting the stage for success in learning, behavior, and health. These services prevent the negative impact of stress, providing positive early experiences that shape lifelong outcomes. Families benefit by meeting their child's needs early and throughout their whole lives, anticipating challenges that could arise as a result of delays that their child may experience.

Download the Developmental Milestones Checklist