Early Intervention
This program embraces a family centered approach which ensures young children with disabilities and their families the supports and services necessary for a child’s growth and development. Families of children ages birth to three who have concerns about their child’s development are eligible to apply for this program.
Anyone can make a referral for Early Intervention services by calling Help Me Grow at (740) 374-4954. Help Me Grow will contact our Early Intervention Department as appropriate.
Supports and services are unique to the needs of every family. When a family is referred for services, an evaluation for eligibility is completed. After eligibility is determined, each family receives a comprehensive assessment. From this assessment, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is formulated which targets the needs of the family and child. Early Intervention supports and services are provided to families within natural environments and routines by a primary service provider from your Early Intervention Team. Strategies used are designed to build upon the family’s strengths and wishes.
Your Early Intervention Team Consists of:
Development Specialist
A certified professional trained to provide evidence-based special instruction as part of the Individualized Family Service Plan and within the child’s natural environment.
Physical Therapist
A licensed professional that works with the EI team and family/care providers to give guidance, educate and support the child’s physical development at home and/or in the community.
Speech/Language Pathologist
A licensed professional that works to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in children as well as provide training and education to families, caregivers and other professionals.
Occupational Therapist
A licensed professional that promotes the function and engagement of infants and toddlers and their families in everyday routines by addressing areas of occupation, including activities of daily living, rest and sleep, play, education, and social participation. They also specialize in sensory processing difficulties that may interfere with those areas of occupation; meaning they observe and assess the way senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception) affect our participation in daily activities.
