Early Intervention means providing child and family services for children between birth and kindergarten age who have or are at risk of having a disability or other special needs that may affect their development, health, or education.

Early Intervention Services are established through both federal and state statutes and focus on two age groups of children with special needs.

More than 20 years of research has demonstrated conclusively that early intervention reaps immediate and long-term benefits for children with disabilities, their families, and society. Research shows the first three years are a critically important time for learning in a child's life. Starting services early improves a child's ability to develop and learn.

There are legal eligibility criteria children must meet in order to receive services.

If you or a family member, doctor, or other care provider feels that a child under three (Birth to 3) qualifies under one of the two broad categories of Developmental Delay or Established Conditions, referral can be made to the local Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) in your community. For additional information, contact the NC Early Intervention Branch at 919.707.5520 or visit www.ncei.org

Services can be delivered in child care centers, family child care homes, church programs, Head Start programs, Developmental Day Centers, as well as at home through service providers visiting a child's home or other natural environments (where children without special needs participate).

Services are generally delivered to children in two ways:

• Directly to the child by a special education teacher, early interventionist or other specialist
• Indirectly to the child through consultation with the child's family and if needed, to the child's service providers (teachers, child care staff, therapist)

Many services are free of cost, however some therapeutic service costs are on sliding scale fees based on the parent's income and ability to pay.