What is early intervention?

A child may be eligible for EI services if she or he has:

• Developmental delays and challenges as a result of a congenital abnormality
• An identified disability
• If typical development is at risk due to certain birth-related or environmental circumstances 

EI provides services that contribute to the developmental progress of eligible children and supports for the family. Professionals in various disciplines work with children to acquire physical, cognitive, communication and social/emotional skills so they will have the best chance to become happy and healthy members of the community. They may also offer parent support and training, parent and child play groups, swimming programs and other opportunities to help the child and family thrive.

Who is eligible for EI?

Any child, birth to age 3, and his or her family may be eligible for EI services if the child:

• Is not reaching age-appropriate milestones in one or more areas of development.
• Is diagnosed with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition that may result in a developmental delay.
• Is at risk for developmental delay due to biological, environmental or other factors, such as prematurity, major birth trauma or illness.

How can your child and family become involved with EI?

Anyone in Massachusetts (a parent, doctor, caregiver, teacher even a friend or acquaintance) can make a referral by calling 1-800-905-8437 (1-800-905-TIES) without a prescription. Ask for a list of certified Early Intervention Programs serving a particular community and contact the EI agency directly.

What happens after a referral?

An EI team will conduct a developmental assessment of your child with your family members present to determine eligibility. This assessment will focus on specific areas of child’s development, including cognitive, speech/language, motor and self-help skills, social and emotional development and behavior.

If your child is found to be eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be written based on the individual needs of your child and family. EI will begin working with your child and family within 45 days of referral. 

Who provides EI services?

Depending on your child’s needs, services are provided by professionals in a specific field. An educator, physical therapist, speech and language pathologist, psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse or another specialty service provider may be a member of the team. Your child’s pediatrician and other health care providers are also members of the team. You, the parents, are the most important members of your child’s team and should feel comfortable contributing your opinions, asking questions and participating in treatment.

Where and how are services provided?

Often the EI team will serve your child and family in a “natural environment” such as your home, child-care center, playground or library. Serving children in natural environments helps them get accustomed to and participate in typical community activities and meet other children.

How are services paid for?

In Massachusetts, some, but not all families pay an annual fee based on family size and income. For further information call 1-800-905-8437 or go to:   http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/com_health/early_childhood/annualFee.pdf

What should I do next?

Your child’s pediatrician can make the referral, or you can self-refer. If you live in Massachusetts, call the Central Directory for Early Intervention at 1-800-905-8437 (1-800-905-TIES) or visit www.massfamilyties.org for a listing of certified Early Intervention programs serving your community. A member of the EI team will then schedule an evaluation to determine eligiblity.

If you live in another state, contract your Department of Public Health to find out which agency can help your child.

Information provided by the Early Intervention Program within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.