By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
What if you can help your child get the supportive services they need before they are even old enough to start school? Sounds good, right? Well, that’s the idea behind Early Intervention and Child Find.
These programs work together to help identify young children who may be delayed in reaching age-appropriate milestones, such as walking, talking, and feeding themselves. The thought behind these programs is that if you intervene early, your child has the best opportunity to thrive and live up to their full potential.
Why is Early Intervention Powerful?
Early Intervention is powerful because it helps identify the youngest children (newborn through age 3) who are showing signs that they may have delays or disabilities. So, if your child has delays speaking, then early intervention programs can get them enrolled in speech therapy. Or, if your child is struggling to walk after several years, then they can be assessed and given physical therapy, if needed. When done correctly, early intervention can be a game changer!
Think about how much kids learn in their first few years of life. They accumulate knowledge so quickly at that age, so it’s the perfect time to intervene and make a big difference. The earlier kids get help, the better.
And guess what? Parents play a huge role, too. Early Intervention often happens at home or in daycare, so the family and those closest to the child are taught ways to support their child during everyday activities.
What About Child Find?
While Early Intervention may sound familiar, you may not have heard of Child Find. The Child Find law says that schools, daycare centers, and other agencies must find and identify children with disabilities—from birth through age 21. So, if a preschool suspects that a child has a disability, it is their duty to refer the child for an evaluation under Child Find to determine if the child is eligible for early intervention or special education services.
It is not always easy to spot a child who may have disabilities or learning delays when the child is really young. That’s where Child Find comes in. If a parent, doctor, or teacher notices a child isn’t meeting milestones—like talking, walking, or learning—they can get the child evaluated under Child Find. In fact, in an educational setting, if someone suspects that a child has a disability, then they must convene a Child Find meeting to determine if the child needs additional supports or services. Child Find does not wait for a child to start school. If a toddler needs help, they make sure that child is connected to Early Intervention services as soon as possible.
How Early Intervention and Child Find Work Together?
Here’s how it usually goes:
- Someone notices a child might need extra help (this could be a parent, a doctor, a teacher, or another trusted adult).
- They make a referral to the local Early Intervention program or to Child Find.
- The child gets evaluated (for free).
- If the child qualifies, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is made, and services start.
Once the child turns three years old, if they still need support, they can move on to services through the local school system and get an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If the child no longer shows a delay or disability at age three, then they will not continue on to special education or need an IEP.
Only children who still qualify under the school system’s eligibility rules will receive further services. So, it’s essential not to delay getting your child help out of fear they may be stigmatized. If your child appears to need early intervention services, getting help early can make all the difference.
Why Catching Delays Early is So Important?
Catching delays or potential disabilities early can make a world of difference because children who get help early often:
- Learn new skills faster
- Perform better when they start school
Waiting too long can impact a child’s self-esteem and make it harder to catch up later. Early help can also prevent small challenges from becoming major ones.
What Should You Do if You’re Concerned?
If you think your child might need help, don’t wait. Some things you can do are:
- Talk to their pediatrician.
- Contact your local Early Intervention or Child Find office.
Remember, you know your child best, so trust your instincts! Evaluations and assessments are free, and if your child qualifies, most services are also free. Early Intervention and Child Find services are available to ensure that every child has an opportunity to succeed. When you intervene early, you give your child the tools they need to grow confident and ready for school!
If you need more information about Early Intervention or Child Find services, you can contact Shefter Law, P.A. at (301) 605-7303 or shefterlaw.com.
