The Early Intervention is a free Massachusetts program for infants and children from birth to 3 years of age who have developmental delays or are at risk of developmental delays.

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These services are intended to help support families and caregivers and to enhance the development and learning of infants and young children through individualized, developmentally appropriate activities in the child's and family's everyday life. Usually the pediatrician will refer you to a place that offers this program if it is seen that your child is late. 

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Parents, physicians, childcare providers, and caregivers can contact the program to initiate a referral for; Assessment, Coordination of Services, Physiotherapy, Orthophony, Occupational Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Equine Therapy, Maternal and Child Health Nursing Services, Vision Services, Deaf Education Services, Infant Massage Instruction, _cc781905-5cde-3194- bb3b-136bad5cf58d_Sensory Integration, Emotional Behavioral or Social Intervention and Education. 

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Early Intervention helps children to:

• Develop positive socio-emotional skills (building relationships)

• Acquire knowledge and skills (learning)

• Use appropriate behaviors to meet your needs (developing independence)

 

And it helps families to:

• Know your rights

• Communicate your children's needs

• Help your children develop and learn

 

Who is eligible?

Any Massachusetts family with a child under age three may be eligible for services if the child:

• Not reaching age-appropriate milestones

• Is diagnosed with certain conditions

• Has a medical or social history that could put the child at risk for developmental delay

 

How are the services?

Babies and toddlers develop and learn through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people. The Early Intervention process, from initial contact to transition out of the program, is collaborative, individualized, and reflects the child's and family's priorities, learning styles, culture, and community. You are an important part of this process. You play the most important role in bringing the results of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to your family.

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What will my visit be like?

During the home visit, you, your child, and your early intervention specialist will:

• Learning about things your family does every day, like eating, showering, or going to the grocery store. Are these things easy? Are they difficult? How does your child do these things to you?

• Develop strategies to support the results of the Individualized Family Service Plan.

• Help make sure you and your child are feeling confident learning new skills while enjoying family activities.

 

Why are visits made this way?

Massachusetts Early Intervention uses surveys to guide home visits. It focuses on three concepts in working with families:

1. Babies and toddlers learn best through lots of practice during everyday activities.

2. You have the biggest impact on your child's progress. You are with your child every day. Early intervention is only with your family for a short period of time.

3. The specialist supports your relationship with your child.

 

They use the Parents Who Interact with Babies (PIWI) principles to guide home visits. PIWI helps parents and guardians, as well as babies and toddlers, feel good about what they are doing together and individually. 

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   For more information about these services contact here 

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