Cheryl Maguire, a mother of three based in Boston, had a unique experience with the Early Intervention (EI) program when her twins were struggling with delayed speech at the age of two. After receiving a recommendation from a moms group for multiples, Maguire decided to have her children evaluated through Massachusetts’ EI program.
The process was straightforward. Maguire made a call to request an evaluation, and an EI evaluator came to her home to assess the twins. The results showed that both children were eligible for services due to their delayed speech. Subsequently, two therapists, one for each child, visited Maguire’s home once a week for therapy sessions.
Besides the home-based therapy, Maguire’s children also qualified for a classroom-based program that lasted about two hours per week. The program was similar to preschool, where the children engaged in games and arts and crafts activities.
Although Maguire’s children did not qualify for services when they transitioned to preschool, they were later diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Maguire noticed that this condition tends to be common among children who qualified for EI in their early years.
Maguire expressed her satisfaction with the EI program, describing it as a wonderful experience for her family. As a stay-at-home mom of twins, it was challenging for her to take them out. The therapy sessions provided her children with an opportunity to have fun and develop social skills through singing songs and playing games. Maguire also emphasized that the activities her twins engaged in with the therapists would benefit any child.
Early Intervention is a government program that offers therapeutic services to children with special needs. However, each state has its own program with some variations. Emily Duszynski, a developmental therapist from Michigan, explained that children typically undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine if they qualify for their state’s EI program. This evaluation measures developmental delays in various areas, such as cognition, language, motor skills, and social-emotional development. Children with certain medical conditions, like Down syndrome, may also qualify for the program.
The underlying principle of EI is that early intervention can prevent bigger issues in the future. Research has shown that one-third of infants and toddlers who receive EI services do not develop disabilities or require special education in preschool. Early diagnosis and intervention have also proven beneficial for autistic children.
Parents should consider requesting an EI evaluation if their child is not meeting developmental milestones, facing difficulties at home or daycare, struggling with social engagement, or if the parents themselves are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Signs of a speech delay may include not responding to their name, difficulty following directions, not combining words by the age of 24 months, or not producing 10 to 50 words by the age of 18 months.
Children with genetic conditions, hearing loss, preterm birth, or low birth weight are more likely to qualify for EI services. Foster children may also require evaluation, which can be requested through the foster care agency or child welfare services.
To access services for a child, parents can request an evaluation from a child care or medical provider. In some cases, parents can contact their state’s EI program directly. Evaluations are conducted in familiar settings, such as the child’s home or daycare center, and involve interactions with the child through play. If a child meets the state criteria for a delay and qualifies for services, an individualized family service plan (IFSP) will be created outlining the child’s goals and the services they will receive.
Therapeutic services are typically provided in a setting familiar to the child, such as their home, daycare, relative’s home, or a park. A therapist usually works with the child once a week for an hour using a coaching model. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate and learn strategies to support their child’s development. Play-based therapy is the norm, where therapists incorporate items from the child’s natural environment to enhance learning.
Participating in the Early Intervention program provides numerous benefits for a child’s development. Starting EI early builds a stronger foundation for children compared to those who begin receiving help in preschool or elementary school. The aim is to catch the child’s developmental issues as early as possible so that they won’t require long-term services. The first three years of life are crucial for brain development, and research has shown that the brain is most adaptable during this period. Seeking an evaluation early ensures that children have the necessary support for their optimal development.
Although some delays may resolve naturally over time, experts recommend not delaying seeking an evaluation if you believe your child could benefit from EI. If parents are advised to “wait and see” by pediatricians or other providers, they should consider seeking a second opinion. The key is to trust your instincts and address any concerns about your child’s development promptly.
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