Compiled by Dr. Smith, Resident at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Last updated on Dec 15th, 2006.
EARLY INTERVENTION is a publicly financed program that serves the following groups of young children:
1. Infants and Toddlers (birth to three years of age) who have:
– a significant delay in one or more areas of development;
– a specialist’s determination that there is a delay even though it doesn’t show up on the assessments (called informed clinical opinion)
– known physical or mental conditions which have a high probability for developmental delays
2. Preschoolers (three years of age to age of beginners) who have:
– a significant delay in one or more areas of development compared to other children his or her age
– any of the following physical or mental disabilities: autism/pervasive developmental disorder, serious emotional disturbance, neurological impairment, deafness/hard of hearing, specific learning disability, mental retardation, multiple handicaps, other mental impairment, physical disability, speech impairment or blindness/visual impairment, and a need for special education and related services.
Some children who are not eligible for early intervention may still be eligible for tracking services:
‘ under three and one half (3 1/2) pounds (birth weight);
‘ cared for in neonatal intensive care units;
‘ born to chemically dependent mothers;
‘ seriously abused or neglected;
‘ confirmed to have dangerous levels of lead poisoning.
Each county administers its own early intervention program. These counties may also provide other services that may be helpful to young children who are eligible for early intervention.
The easiest way for you to begin the process of enrolling your child in early intervention is to call the CONNECT Information and Referral number.
-CONTACT INFO: (800) 692-7288 (for TTY, dial 711 for Relay Service).
You can also call your local county directly. Listed below you will find the contact information for the departments that oversee early intervention in southwestern Pennsylvania. These departments may provide you with a more direct phone number to reach early intervention, and they may be able to tell you about other services in your county.
Early Intervention State Website
Child Care Provider’s Guide to Early Intervention