Early Intervention Programs by State

Written by Margaret Nelson

Early Intervention Services and Programs by State: Overview

Early intervention programs are state-run initiatives that ensure that children ages 0-3 meet their appropriate developmental milestones. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, but in general, if a child under three has significant developmental delays or qualifying medical conditions, they can access services that will help them catch up with their peers.

Depending on the child's needs, these services could include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and support for parents and caregivers. These services are often provided in a place that's familiar to the child, such as their home, daycare, a local park, or the public library. Families can receive referrals from their pediatricians, but such a referral is not necessary. In fact, anyone can submit a referral on behalf of a child, including parents, grandparents, daycare workers, foster parents, and social workers.

What Is an Early Intervention and Family Support Program?

Early Intervention is a program for kids ages 0-3 who have qualifying medical conditions or developmental delays. There is no minimum age for the child to accept services, and referrals can occur at birth. While in the program, caregivers receive family support in the form of transportation assistance, home visits, and education about the child's condition.

Before age three, the child will transition to the next step, which can vary based on their needs. Options include early childhood education programs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), both of which set them up for elementary education success.

To understand the scope of the program, it's essential to become familiar with Early Intervention Specialists; special education, family education, and support services; eligibility; and payment for services.

What Is an Early Intervention Specialist?

An Early Intervention Specialist is an expert who helps young children (generally under the age of three) who have disabilities or developmental delays. Their duties can vary, as Early Intervention Specialists can specialize in a specific area. Some work directly with the children to administer therapy. Others coordinate with the child's family, doctors, teachers, and other supports to keep everyone up-to-date on the child's progress and provide high-quality care. They can also evaluate children for eligibility, diagnose any conditions, get to know the needs of the child and their family, and determine the severity of any developmental delays.

Many Early Intervention Specialists choose to specialize within a particular area, such as autism or cerebral palsy, and they work exclusively with children who have those diagnoses.

Special Education, Family Education, and Support Services

Once a child is qualified to receive early intervention services, their team will provide family education and support services. In addition to providing services for the child, these programs guide caregivers to provide the best care for their children.

As the child approaches their third birthday, the team will begin to discuss transitioning to other programs, which include special education services through the local public school district. Children must be at least three years old to qualify for services, and early intervention programs can help by:

• Discussing options for the child based on their needs
• Initiating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process
• Communicating with the school district about the child's strengths, weaknesses, and progress
• Answer any questions about the process.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Meet?

Because programs are run at the state level, qualifications can vary from program to program. In general, children must be under 36 months old. In addition, they must have moderate to severe developmental delays and/or a qualifying medical condition. Many states have lists of diagnoses that qualify, and they each have their own definitions of what constitutes a mild or severe developmental delay. Qualifying medical conditions include visual disabilities, metabolic disorders, feeding disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Who Pays for Early Childhood Intervention Programs?

Because early childhood intervention programs are publicly-funded, services are often free or very inexpensive. Families pay for services based on a sliding scale, and if a family's income falls below the federal poverty line, services are likely free. Even if the family's income is far above the federal poverty line, the services are still affordable.

Other factors can drive down the costs even further. For example, if a child is in foster care, the family will not have to pay for services, regardless of the caregiver's income. If the family has out-of-pocket costs, private insurance can also decrease these costs.

Early Intervention State Programs in the South

Every state in the south has its own early intervention program, and each program varies from other state programs. These programs receive a mixture of funding from state and federal governments. Like any public program, early intervention can be subjected to budget cuts, meaning that some programs might require supplementary services from other agencies. Sometimes, providers only serve children from specific counties, so it's vital that the caregiver contacts the correct one. Below is a list of links to each state's early intervention program. If there are special requirements, they are noted next to the link.

• Alabama - Alabama's early intervention program focuses on children who have a developmental delay that's at least 25% or greater. Depending on the child's needs, they might need to seek additional services from other public or private agencies.
• Arkansas
• Florida - Each qualified family selects a primary service provider as the primary point of contact between Early Steps and the family. The person selected depends on the needs of the child, but it can include an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, a therapist, or another licensed care provider.
• Georgia - Anyone can make a referral, but parent consent is not required. However, discussions with parents before making a referral are encouraged.
• Kentucky - Children can receive a referral based on a developmental delay, an established risk due to an existing condition (such as Down Syndrome), or if an interdisciplinary team determines that a child will likely need services.
• Louisiana - Among other services, they provide evaluations for medical conditions and translation and interpretation.
• Mississippi - Children can qualify through an informed clinical opinion. In order for this to occur, the clinician must determine that the child has a high probability of developing a delay due to a disability or medical condition, even if delays are not present at the time of the evaluation.
• North Carolina - Referral sources do not need to have consent from the parents before making a referral, but it's necessary to evaluate the child and determine their eligibility.
• South Carolina - To qualify, the child must have either a qualifying developmental delay or a medical condition. If the child's medical records show that they qualify, an evaluation is not needed.
• Texas - Children can qualify through auditory or visual impairments, but they must be evaluated by the local school district.
• Tennessee - Tennessee is in the process of extending their services beyond the child's third birthday to the time they start school. Families will be able to choose to continue with early intervention or receive special education through the local public school.
• Virginia

Early Intervention State Programs in the Northeast

Early intervention tends to be more comprehensive in the northeast with less strict eligibility requirements. Some states have early intervention programs that specialize in certain conditions, such as Autism or Deafness/Hard of Hearing. Many websites in this region offer free resources to parents, such as developmental milestones according to age.

• Connecticut - Connecticut's programs are widely available, and they offer specialized programs for Autism and Deaf/Hard of Hearing children.
• Delaware - Delaware maintains an extensive list of qualifying conditions. A child who is considered to have Autism, Deafblindness, Deafness, and Hearing Impairments, according to the Delaware Department of Education's definition, is automatically qualified for services.
• Maine - Maine has two programs that help children with disabilities or developmental delays. The first is Early Intervention, which lasts until age three. The second program is Free Appropriate Public Education, which is for ages three through five.
• Massachusetts - Massachusetts lists general eligibility criteria, such as not reaching age-appropriate milestones, certain medical conditions, or a history that places them at higher risks for developmental delays. There is no charge for families. Caregivers, professionals, and other community members are encouraged to contact their local program for more information.
• New Hampshire - New Hampshire's program assists children who have qualifying conditions, atypical development, at least a 33 percent delay in one or more developmental areas, or meet the state's definition of being at-risk. Anyone with a concern about a child's development should contact their local program for more information.
• New Jersey - In New Jersey, if a family is paying 5 percent or more of their annual income on medical expenses, they can apply for free or reduced-price services.
• New York - Anyone can make a referral to the Early Intervention Program, but certain professionals must submit a report if they suspect developmental delays.
• Pennsylvania - Children ages 0-5 who have disabilities or developmental delays are eligible to receive services, and they are provided at no cost to families.
• Rhode Island - Eligible children must have a developmental delay or disability and be under age three. They do not need to be eligible for R.I. Medicaid to receive services, and there is no cost to families.
• Vermont - Children are eligible for services if they are under 36 months old and have a developmental delay or a condition that will likely cause a developmental delay. Caregivers are responsible for paying any required copays, although assistance is available.

Early Intervention State Programs in the Midwest

In the midwest, early intervention programs vary widely. Some state programs are comprehensive and well-funded, while others are not. In many states, if a child's medical records show that they have a qualifying disability or delay, then additional evaluations are not necessary. Regardless, it's important that caregivers reach out to their local program if they have any questions or concerns.

• Illinois - Qualifying children must be under 36 months, have a 30 percent or greater delay in one or more areas, or have an at-risk condition.
• Indiana - For children to receive services based on a developmental delay, they must have at least a 25 percent delay in one area or a 20 percent delay in more than one area. Caregivers, doctors, medical professionals, and social workers can submit referrals.
• Iowa - If a child has a qualifying condition or developmental delay and their records are available for review, then they can access services without undergoing any additional evaluations.
• Kansas - Services are free to all eligible families. There are providers throughout the state, and they only work with families from specific counties.
• Michigan - To be eligible for services in Michigan, children under 36 months must have a developmental delay of at least 20 percent or greater in one or more areas and/or a diagnosis of a qualifying condition.
• Minnesota - If a child has a certain condition that's likely to cause delay or displays certain red flags, caregivers are encouraged to make a referral immediately. Services are free to all families, regardless of income or immigration status.
• Missouri - If a child is at risk of having substantial developmental delays, they are not eligible for services unless they have a condition that increases their risk.
• Nebraska - Children under 36 months are eligible for services if they show developmental delays or have a condition that will affect their development.
• North Dakota
• South Dakota - South Dakota's website has a developmental milestone checklist that caregivers can use to determine if their child is on track. If not, then they are encouraged to contact their local program.
• Ohio - Ohio provides free screening materials for parents to use. They're encouraged to talk to their pediatricians and make a referral if there are any concerns.
• Wisconsin - Children are eligible if they have a developmental delay of at least 25 percent in one or more areas, a condition with a high risk of developmental delays, or any atypical developments.

Early Intervention State Programs in the West

Many state programs in the Western United States have more flexible eligibility requirements. Many programs leave room for informed clinical opinions for children who have increased risk factors. In other words, if a qualified professional thinks that a child would benefit from services, they can receive them, even if they don't show delays at the time of the evaluation. In addition, some children have risk factors, and services can help reduce their impacts. These include factors like homelessness or insecure housing, being in foster or kinship care, abuse or neglect, having teen parents, or living with a parent who has a developmental disability or severe mental illness.

• Alaska - In Alaska, anyone can make a referral, even if they haven't discussed it with the parents first. There is also an extensive list of conditions that can make a child eligible for services, including having a teen parent, premature birth, or very low birth weight.
• Arizona - Children under 36 months are eligible for services if they have an established condition with a high probability of developmental delays. Children must fail to reach 50 percent of milestones in one or more developmental areas.
• California- Families may be charged for services, but public and private insurance are accepted. Any services not covered by insurance will be covered through local agencies and school districts.
• Colorado- Children can receive services if they have one or more significant developmental delays, have a condition that could cause delays, or live with a parent who has a developmental disability.
• Hawaii - Hawaii does not charge for services, but public and private insurance is used whenever possible.
• Idaho - Idaho has a voluntary program called '' Developmental Milestones' ' where they send questionnaires to parents about their children's developmental milestones. If there's a concern, they connect parents to local programs, including early intervention.
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico - New Mexico has home-based and center-based programs. Children with certain risk factors are prioritized, such as those with disabilities, in foster or kinship care, or experiencing homelessness.
• Oregon - Parents should contact the program for an evaluation if they have concerns about their children's development. They work with kids ages 0-5. Eligible children can then participate in Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education.
• Utah
• Washington State - Children are eligible if they have a qualifying developmental delay or a qualifying diagnosis. They can also receive services based on informed clinical opinion or due to preexisting risk factors.
• Wyoming

Early Intervention Programs in Commonwealths and Territories

Lastly, each of the U.S. commonwealths and territories has an early intervention program. Because of their small populations and lack of funding, these programs might not be able to provide extensive services, especially when compared to larger states. In fact, some programs are run through the local public school system, instead of through a separate agency. Caregiver payment expectations also vary. Some require parents to pay for services according to their income, some provide free services, and some cover the difference after insurance. They also vary in eligibility requirements. Some encourage caretakers to call if they have concerns about their child's development, and others have stricter requirements.

• American Samoa
• Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands (CNMI)- Services are provided through the public school system.
• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Washington D.C. - If parents are concerned about their children's development, they should contact the program for additional guidance.

Provider Credentials and Teacher Certification

Early intervention programs are run in each state through a partnership between the state and federal governments. While the federal government does provide some funding, states are the ones to create, oversee, and regulate these programs. Therefore, provider credentials can vary from state to state. For example, some require providers to hold teacher certification and a bachelor's degree. Others require different types of certifications, and some only require a bachelor's degree in certain majors. If a candidate is interested in a career in early intervention, they should research provider credentials that are required in their state, territory, or commonwealth.

Teacher Certification

Many times, special education teachers and other educators who work in early intervention programs must be certified in the state they want to provide services. This process varies from state to state, but there are similarities. For example, people who wish to teach in public schools and other publicly-funded programs need to obtain teacher certification. Many times, states require candidates to pass exams in the subjects that they wish to teach in, and there are specialized tests available for subjects like English as a Second Language (ESL), school counseling, and special education.

Typically, candidates need to receive their bachelor's degree, pass any necessary exams, and apply for a teaching certification. After that, the state will issue them a certificate, and they can begin teaching in the state. Because the regulations vary widely from state to state, candidates need to do their research to understand their state's requirements fully.

State Testing and Exams

Oftentimes, many who provide services in early intervention programs must pass tests and exams and fulfill any licensing and certification requirements. These requirements vary from state to state, but examples of required tests include the FTCE, Praxis, CBEST, and TExES. In addition to these exams, candidates typically must have a bachelor's degree, graduate from an approved teacher program, and complete a certain number of hours of supervised teaching. In some cases, the bachelor's degree must be in a specific subject from an approved teacher program, and the supervisor must meet specific requirements, such as teaching for a minimum number of years and undergoing training. Candidates who wish to become certified teachers and/or work in an early intervention program should research their state's requirements.

Licensing Requirements

Each state has different licensing requirements for early intervention professionals. For example, in Vermont, Early Interventionists need an Early Intervention Certificate. Candidates should research the program in their state to determine any licensing requirements.