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Infant Toddler Early Intervention

All children grow and learn at different rates.

The Early Intervention (EI) Program provides services to children from birth through three years of age who have special needs due to developmental delays or disabilities. EI is a collection of services with supports designed to help families with parenting a child with developmental delays.

Early Intervention (EI) builds upon the natural learning that occurs in a child’s first few years and the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family. Since children learn best within the context of their family and their daily routines. The majority of services are provided in the child’s home. Services are designed to foster typical early childhood development and healthy family functioning through intervention, education, consultation and training.

Core Principles of Infant Toddler Early Intervention:

  • Provides supports and services to infants/toddlers and their families/caregivers so that they may help the child grow and develop
  • Embeds supports and services within learning opportunities that exist in the child’s typical routines and within the home and community
  • Builds on existing supports and services in the family, community
  • Provides coordinated, flexible Early Intervention supports and services through personnel working collaboratively with the family and each other
  • Provides supports and services focused on the family and child’s transition between and among early education programs
INFANT TODDLER EARLY INTERVENTION
What types of Early Intervention Services are available?
Once a child is determined eligible for Early Intervention services, the Service Coordinator will assist the family in obtaining specific services. The services provided to children and families differ based upon the individual needs of each child and family and could include:

  • Speech Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Hearing and Vision Therapy
  • Special Instruction
  • Social Work Services
What will the services cost?
Early Intervention Services are provided at no cost to families. Funding is available through Medical Assistance, the Infant and Toddler Family Waiver, and Early Intervention state funds. Early Intervention is provided in Pennsylvania under the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and the Department of Public Education. The Office of child Development and Early Learning funds Early intervention from Birth to three years of age. The Department of Public Education funds Early Intervention services from 3 years to age of beginners.
Where do children and Families receive services?
Early Intervention services are family-centered and provided in the child’s natural environment such as in the child’s home, caregiver’s home, childcare centers, play groups or other community settings familiar to the family.
How do I request Early Intervention services?
Contact the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program at Seneca Highlands IU9 by calling 814-975-1221. An Early Intervention Service Coordinator will be assigned to assist the family through the process.

McKean County DHS Early Intervention Unit

17155 Route 6
Smethport, PA 16749
814-887-3350

Mental Health Crisis HotlineTO ACCESS SERVICES CONTACT

Seneca Highlands IU9
Infant Toddler Early Intervention
814-975-1221