While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Children with developmental delays and disabilities benefit from The Pennsylvania Early Intervention program, a state supported network of parents, service practitioners, and others which builds upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family.
Early Intervention:
- Provides support and services to families with children birth to age five, who have developmental delays and disabilities
- Supports services and resources for children that enhance daily opportunities for learning provided in settings where a child would be if he/she did not have a developmental delay and disability.
- Provides families’ independence and competencies.
- Respects families’ strengths, values and diversity.
- Physical development, including vision and hearing
- Cognitive development
- Communication development
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development
Families who have questions about their child’s development may contact the CONNECT Helpline at 1-800-692-7288. The CONNECT Helpline assists families in locating resources and providing information regarding child development for children ages birth to age 5. CONNECT can also assist families by making a direct link to their county early intervention program or local preschool early intervention program. To make a referral for early intervention, call the CONNECT Helpline at 1-800-692-7288.
For more information and resources for Early Intervention, please visit the PA Department of Human Services website.
Resources and supports for families and professionals can also be located at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network website.