Support for Early Childhood Development

Highlights

• Early childhood intervention provides support for infants and young children with disabilities or developmental delays.
• Early intervention promotes your child’s development and well-being.
• Services can be tailored to meet the needs of your child and family.
• Funding for early childhood intervention services may be available depending on eligibility.
• Intervention partners can help connect you with support services, even if you’re not eligible for funding.

In This Article

• What is Early Childhood Intervention?
• What are the Benefits of Early Childhood Intervention?
• How Can I Access Early Childhood Intervention?
• What Are Early Childhood Intervention Services?
• Choosing an Early Childhood Intervention Service
• Tools and Assistance

What is Early Childhood Intervention?

Early childhood intervention provides support for young children with disabilities or developmental delays. It focuses on promoting:

• Development
• Well-being
• Community participation

Services aim to support children from birth to school entry and provide education for parents and caregivers. This helps you:

• Meet your child’s needs
• Build your child’s strengths
• Support your child in developing new skills
• Encourage your child to engage in activities and experiences

What are the Benefits of Early Childhood Intervention?

Benefits for My Child

Early intervention helps children with disabilities or delays get a better start in life. The earlier your child accesses support, the better the outcomes.

High-quality early childhood services offer opportunities for children to:

• Learn and develop skills
• Make friends
• Develop independence
• Adapt to new routines

Support programs assess progress regularly and provide a comfortable, supportive environment. Early intervention helps prepare children for school and supports inclusion in preschool settings.

Benefits for My Family

Early childhood intervention also helps families learn how to best support their child. Families learn about their child’s strengths, how to nurture them, and adapt to having a child with disabilities or delays.

Tailored therapy options can suit both your child’s and family’s needs.

How Can I Access Early Childhood Intervention?

To begin accessing early childhood intervention, speak with an Early Childhood Intervention Partner. They can help you:

• Identify suitable support services for your child
• Provide information on services, including preschools
• Refer you to community-based services
• Help you apply for funded services if eligible

If there are no local partners, consult your child’s doctor, health nurse, or educator for guidance.

What Are Early Childhood Intervention Services?

Early childhood intervention services may include:

• Special education
• Therapy
• Parent education
• Service coordination

These services are available at various locations, such as:

• Hospitals
• Community health services
• Private clinics
• Preschools

Your intervention partner can help you find services that meet your child’s needs.

Choosing an Early Childhood Intervention Service

Every child will respond differently to therapy, so it’s important to find the service that works best. Factors to consider include:

• Age
• Developmental needs
• Healthcare needs
• Location
• Cultural and religious preferences

An Early Childhood Intervention Partner can help guide you through the process.

Tools and Assistance

To learn more about early childhood intervention:

• Consult with your local Early Childhood Intervention Partner
• Explore available resources for financial support and services
• Check eligibility for funded services

You can access guidance and support to ensure the best outcomes for your child.