When we bring a new baby into our families, we have joyous and fulfilling images and dreams. We hope for a happy and healthy child, but even with a physically well child, there can be subtle or obvious delays that emerge requiring us to look more closely. At times, it can be hard to recognize and accept, but early intervention is crucial to help us and our child navigate through developmental milestones as smoothly as possibly. There are many resources available to us, especially in California.
What is Early Intervention?
The term “Early Intervention” (EI) refers to services and support that can help youngsters – kids from 0-3 years – with developmental delays. Through early intervention programs, many of which are federally funded, children in this age range can get support either in the community or at home. EI focuses on helping with skill delays in the following areas:
1) Cognitive development (thinking, learning solving problems)
2) Physical development (crawling, walking, reaching)
3) Communication development (listening, talking, being able to understand others)
4) Social/emotional development (interacting or playing with others
5) Adaptive development (eating, dressing, washing)
While all states offer EI, individual states each has its own way of administering their programs. California has the Early Start program, through the Department of Developmental Services (For details go to: https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/). The California website has easy to understand information about eligibility, referrals, and cost.
After an evaluation, if a child is found to be eligible for services, a team from the state’s program will help construct an Individualized Family Service plan – a plan to set up the goals and services the family needs to support the child.
What do services typically look like?
First, your child has to meet two criteria:
1) A developmental delay or
2) A health condition that will likely lead to a delay (issues such as birth defects, genetic disorders or loss of hearing or vision)
Once your child qualifies, he or she may receive any number of services, including:
1) Language and speech therapy
2) Physical or occupational therapy
3) Mental health/psychological services
4) Medical, nursing or nutrition services
5) Hearing or vision services
6) Social work services
7) Transportation services
These services typically last through a child’s third birthday, and once your child turns three, there can be a transition to special education services that are provided by IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. If your kiddo remains eligible, your local school district will work with you to set up preschool education services.
So those are some of the nuts and bolts of HOW to get services. But the most important question to answer is WHY?
Intervention is more likely to be effective when it’s provided as early as possible. This is because the connections in a baby’s brain are more flexible and malleable in the first 36 months of life. These neural circuits are the basis for all behavior, health, and learning. The longer we wait to intervene, the harder it will be to change these circuits.
EI helps your child make the most of their learning through play.
A child’s work is play – and crucial to brain development. Opportunities to play with a trained caregiver can facilitate skill development in communication, and especially socialization.
EI could reduce your child’s reliance on specialized instruction during school years.
Incorporating IE can aid a majority of children towards achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones. Children receiving Early Intervention support may show increased academic readiness and to be better able to interact with their peers.
Also, accepting our children for who they are – with all of their strengths and vulnerabilities – provides the basis for a healthy and empowered family.
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