What is Early Intervention?

Some infants and toddlers need extra help in order to learn and develop.  Early intervention includes a variety of services and supports that help young children, ages birth to three, with special needs.  This service is guaranteed by Federal law under Part C of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).  Because early intervention services refer to Part C services of this law, Part C and early intervention are sometimes used interchangeably.

Who is Eligible for These Services? 

Early intervention services are available to families nationwide with an infant and/or toddler (birth to age three), who has a disability and/or developmental delay.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

In Virginia, a child qualifies for early intervention services if they meet one of the following criteria:

·         An infant or toddler (birth to three) functioning at least 25% below their chronological or adjusted age in one or more of the following areas:  cognitive development, physical development, communication development, social-emotional development, and/or adaptive development;

·         A child manifesting atypical development or behavior;

·         A child who has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.

How Do I Know if My Child Has a Delay? A developmental screening can be provided at no cost to your family in order to answer questions about your child’s development.  Screenings are held in daycare centers, your home, at the babysitter’s, or other places at your convenience.  Visit the developmental checklist for more specifics on age appropriate skills.  If you are interested, your temporary service coordinator can arrange for a more in-depth multidisciplinary evaluation of your child's development.

How Do I Get Started?

You can contact Katy McCullough, Council Coordinator or Kathy Pierson, Family Support Partner at Infant & Toddler Connection of the New River Valley to make a referral.

Call:                                                            

1-540-831-7529 (PLAY)
1-800-650-5324                                    

Or you can send us an e-mail:
kmccullo@radford.edu
khpierson@radford.edu