Early Intervention Services: Birth to Age 3 Guide for Parents

Early intervention can make a profound difference in your child's development. This comprehensive guide helps you understand Part C services, recognize developmental milestones, and navigate the evaluation process with confidence.

What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention refers to services and supports available to babies and young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. These services are designed to identify and address developmental concerns as early as possible, when a child's brain is most adaptable to change.

Early intervention works: Research shows that the earlier a child receives appropriate services, the better their outcomes are likely to be. The brain develops most rapidly in the first three years of life, making this a critical window for intervention.

Key Benefits of Early Intervention

• Improves developmental outcomes
• Reduces need for special education services later
• Supports family confidence and competence
• Maximizes child's potential for independence
• Provides family support and resources

Part C of IDEA: Your Legal Foundation

Understanding Part C

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that establishes the Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth through age 2) and their families. This law ensures that eligible children receive the services they need at no cost to families.

Who is Eligible?

• Children with documented developmental delays
• Children with diagnosed conditions likely to result in delay
• At-risk children (in some states)

Core Principles

• Family-centered approach
• Natural environment services
• Individualized services
• Coordinated team approach

Developmental Milestones Checklist

Important Note: Every child develops at their own pace. These milestones are guidelines. If you have concerns about your child's development, trust your instincts and consult with your pediatrician or contact your state's early intervention program.

2 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Holds head up when lying on tummy
• Moves both arms and legs
• Opens hands briefly

Cognitive Development

• Calms down when spoken to or picked up
• Looks at your face
• Seems happy to see you when you walk up to them

Communication

• Makes sounds other than crying
• Reacts to loud sounds

Social/Emotional

• Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
• Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

4 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Holds head steady without support when you are holding them
• Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
• Uses their arm to swing at toys

Cognitive Development

• If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
• Looks at their hands with interest

Communication

• Makes sounds like 'oooo', 'aahh' (cooing)
• Makes sounds back when you talk to them
• Turns head towards the sound of your voice

Social/Emotional

• Smiles on their own to get your attention
• Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh

6 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Rolls from tummy to back
• Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
• Leans on hands to support themselves when sitting

Cognitive Development

• Puts things in their mouth to explore them
• Reaches to grab a toy they want
• Closes lips to show they don't want more food

Communication

• Takes turns making sounds with you
• Blows 'raspberries' (sticks tongue out and blows)
• Makes squealing noises

Social/Emotional

• Knows familiar people
• Likes to look at themselves in a mirror
• Laughs

9 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Gets to a sitting position by themselves
• Moves things from one hand to the other hand
• Uses fingers to 'rake' food towards themselves

Cognitive Development

• Looks for objects when dropped out of sight
• Bangs two things together

Communication

• Makes a lot of different sounds like 'mamamama' and 'bababababa'
• Lifts arms up to be picked up

Social/Emotional

• Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
• Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
• Looks when you call their name

12 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Pulls up to stand
• Walks, holding on to furniture
• Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it

Cognitive Development

• Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
• Looks for things they see you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Communication

• Says 'mama' and 'dada'
• Calls a parent by name or makes sounds or gestures to get attention
• Understands 'no' (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Social/Emotional

• Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
• Waves 'bye-bye'

15 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Takes a few steps on their own
• Uses fingers to feed themselves some food

Cognitive Development

• Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
• Shows you an object they like
• Claps when excited

Communication

• Tries to say one or two words besides 'mama' or 'dada', like 'ba' for ball or 'da' for dog
• Looks at a familiar object when you name it
• Follows directions given with both a gesture and words

Social/Emotional

• Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
• Hugs stuffed animals or dolls
• Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

18 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
• Scribbles
• Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes

Cognitive Development

• Moves things from one container to another, like putting blocks in a cup
• Points to ask for something or to get help

Communication

• Tries to say three or more words besides 'mama' or 'dada'
• Understands simple directions like 'put the toy in the box'

Social/Emotional

• Copies you doing chores, like sweeping
• Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

24 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Kicks a ball
• Runs
• Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help

Cognitive Development

• Holds something in one hand while using the other hand
• Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
• Plays with more than one toy at the same time

Communication

• Points to things in a book when you ask, like 'Where is the bear?'
• Says at least two words together, like 'More milk'
• Points to at least two body parts when you ask them to show you

Social/Emotional

• Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
• Looks at your face to check your reaction when faced with something unfamiliar
• Points to show you something interesting

30 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
• Takes some clothes off by themselves, like loose pants or an open jacket

Cognitive Development

• Uses things to pretend, like feeding a doll with a toy spoon
• Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something

Communication

• Says about 50 words
• Says two or more words together, with one action word, like 'Doggie run'
• Names things in a book when you point and ask, 'What is this?'

Social/Emotional

• Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
• Shows you what they can do by saying, 'Look at me!'
• Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, 'It's clean-up time'

36 Months Milestones

What most children can do by this age

Physical Development

• Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
• Puts on some clothes by themselves, like loose pants or a jacket
• Uses a fork

Cognitive Development

• Draws a circle, when you show them how
• Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn them

Communication

• Says about 100 words
• Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
• Asks 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' or 'why' questions, like 'Where is mommy?'

Social/Emotional

• Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave them, like at a childcare drop off
• Notices other children and joins them to play

The Evaluation Process

Step 1: Referral

Anyone can refer a child for evaluation, including parents, doctors, childcare providers, or family members.

• Call your state's early intervention program
• Referral can be made at any time
• No doctor's referral required

Step 2: Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation assesses your child's development in all areas.

• Conducted by qualified professionals
• Includes family input and concerns
• Takes place in natural settings when possible

Step 3: Eligibility

The team determines if your child is eligible for services based on evaluation results.

• Decision made within 45 days
• Family receives written results
• If eligible, IFSP development begins

What to Expect During Evaluation

Evaluation Areas

• Physical development (fine and gross motor)
• Cognitive development
• Communication development
• Social or emotional development
• Adaptive development (self-help skills)

Evaluation Methods

• Observation of child's play and interaction
• Parent interview and questionnaires
• Developmental assessments and screenings
• Review of medical and developmental history
• Input from other caregivers or providers

IFSP Development: Your Child's Roadmap

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written plan that outlines the early intervention services your child and family will receive. It's developed collaboratively by you and your early intervention team.

You are the most important member of your child's team! Your insights, concerns, and priorities drive the IFSP process. The plan must be meaningful and achievable for your family.

What's Included in the IFSP

•
Present level of development: Your child's current abilities and needs
•
Family priorities and concerns: What matters most to your family
•
Outcomes: Specific, measurable goals for your child and family
•
Services: What services will be provided, when, where, and by whom
•
Transition plan: Planning for transition to preschool services at age 3

Your Rights and Protections

•
Written consent: You must agree to all services in writing
•
Confidentiality: Your child's information is protected
•
Dispute resolution: Options if you disagree with decisions
•
Review and revision: IFSP reviewed every 6 months, updated annually
•
No cost: Part C services are provided at no cost to families

Types of Early Intervention Services

Developmental Services

Support for cognitive, physical, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive development

Speech-Language Therapy

Help with communication skills, including speaking, understanding language, and feeding/swallowing

Occupational Therapy

Support for fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities

Physical Therapy

Help with gross motor skills, movement, and physical development

Psychological Services

Assessment and intervention for behavioral, social, and emotional needs

Family Training and Counseling

Support and training for families to help their child's development

Social Work Services

Case management, resource coordination, and family support

Nursing Services

Health-related services for children with medical needs

Nutrition Services

Assessment and intervention for feeding and nutrition concerns

Assistive Technology

Devices and services to help children participate in daily activities

State Early Intervention Programs Directory

Each state operates its own early intervention program under Part C of IDEA. While services are similar across states, program names and specific eligibility criteria may vary. Find your state's program below:

Alabama

Early Intervention System

Contact Methods:

• Direct: 1-800-543-3098

• Call 2-1-1 for local referrals

• Search online: "Early Intervention System Alabama"

• Contact your pediatrician for referral

Early Intervention Services: Birth to Age 3 Guide for Parents

What is Early Intervention?

Part C of IDEA: Your Legal Foundation

Understanding Part C

Who is Eligible?

Core Principles

Developmental Milestones Checklist

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

Physical Development

Cognitive Development

Communication

Social/Emotional

The Evaluation Process

What to Expect During Evaluation

Evaluation Areas

Evaluation Methods

IFSP Development: Your Child's Roadmap

Types of Early Intervention Services

State Early Intervention Programs Directory

Addressing Common Concerns

Your Next Steps

Ready to Take Action?

Immediate Steps:

How to Contact Your State Program:

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Child's Development Matters