Early Intervention
Early Intervention (EI) in Pennsylvania consists of services and supports designed to help families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities. EI services can include information about how children develop, parent or caregiver education, family support, and developmental and instructional therapies that assist in child development. Early intervention builds upon the natural learning that occurs in the first few years of life. It is a process that promotes collaboration among parents, service providers, and others who are involved with the child.
Infant Toddler Program (Birth to Age 3)
Tabatha Johnson - Service Coordinator Supervisor
Michele Minard - Assistant Supervisor/Service Coordinator
Donna Trimm - Service Coordinator
Stephanie Swanson - Service Coordinator
Rachel Danielson - Service Coordinator
Infant toddler programs serve children ages birth to three years old.
While all children grow and change at their own rate, some children have delays in their development. Infant/toddler early intervention provides support and services to children under age three with developmental delays to help the child to grow and develop. Services are always provided at no cost to the family.
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Benefits of Early Intervention
Infant/Toddler Early Intervention can help a child and their family by
- answering questions and providing information about child development;
- coaching the family to work with their child during daily routines at home and in the community;
- helping the child to become more independent in daily routines and activities; and
- helping communities become more aware of the abilities of all children.
Supports and Services
Supports and services meet the developmental needs of children in
- physical development (using their large and small muscles to move and play) including vision and hearing;
- cognitive development (thinking skills);
- communication development (talking, listening, and understanding);
- social-emotional development (interacting with others); and
- adaptive self-help skills.
Eligibility
Eligibility for services is determined if children
- demonstrate a developmental delay when evaluated;
- have a diagnosis with a high probability of delay; or
- have been determined eligible by informed clinical opinion.
Location of Services
Services are provided in the child’s natural environment including the child’s home, child care center, play group, grandparents’ home, etc. Supports and services are embedded in the typical routines and activities within the family, community, and/or early care settings.
For more information, please contact the service coordinator for your county.
Preschool Early Intervention (Ages 3–5)
"It is the mission of Early Intervention to provide high quality and developmentally appropriate services to all eligible young children."
There are only 2,000 days from the time a child is born until they enter kindergarten. Research tells us that 90% of a child's brain develops during those 2,000 days.
Services
We actively work with the school districts to ensure that all preschool children have the opportunity to participate in an early learning experience. IU9 operates preschool classrooms within our local community at no cost to eligible children.
Services may include specialized instruction, hearing support, vision support, speech/language support, occupational therapy, physical therapy, transportation, and other services deemed necessary by the IEP team.
Our service area includes the following school districts: Austin, Bradford, Cameron County, Coudersport, Galeton, Johnsonburg, Kane, Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley, Otto-Eldred, Port Allegany, Ridgway, St. Marys, and Smethport.
Eligibility
The Preschool Intervention Program serves eligible young children from age three until entrance to school and their families. Eligible children include those with a diagnosed disability or developmental delay who also demonstrate a need for specially designed instruction. Referrals can be made by parents, early childhood providers, doctors, or other agencies. Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team evaluation (MDE).
Service Coordinators
We want to assist families in helping their children access a positive preschool experience. The IU9 program in your area may have preschool openings. Please call any of the service coordinators in your area to learn about possible openings.
To contact the Early Intervention office, please call us at (814) 887-5512 ext. 302. We are located in the Woodland Elementary School at 306 Woodland Avenue, Emporium, PA 15834.
Community Engagement
The Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) and Early Learning Team (ELT) organizations provide opportunities for parents, agencies, professionals, and schools to work together to facilitate the delivery of Early Intervention services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Their vision for the future:
- To promote parent and professional partnerships
- To identify community needs and resources
- To promote open communication and coordination of services
Meetings
Who is involved in these meetings?
- Parents of infants, toddlers, and preschool children receiving Early Intervention services and agencies that provide services to young children.
Why should you come to these meetings?
- To share your ideas
- To meet other parents
- To learn about other resources for your child and family
Problem Solving for Early Intervention
If you are not satisfied or have questions about the services your child receives, you have a choice and you have rights. Here’s what you can do:
- Discuss concerns and disagreements with your service coordinator or preschool early interventionist. If concerns persist,
- discuss concerns and disagreements with the local early intervention program supervisor. If concerns persist,
- contact the PA Office for Dispute Resolution to initiate IEP facilitation, mediation, due process, or file a complaint.
