Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) in Pennsylvania consists of services and supports designed to help families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities. EI services can include information about how children develop, parent or caregiver education, family supports, developmental and instructional therapies that assist in child development. EI builds upon the natural learning that occurs in the first few years. It is a process that promotes collaboration among parents, service providers and others who are involved with the child. 

  • Physical Development: the ability to move, see, and hear
  • Language / Speech Development: the ability to talk, understand, and express needs
  • Social and Emotional Development: the ability to relate to others
  • Self-help / Adaptive Development: the ability to eat, dress, and take care of oneself
  • Cognitive Development: the ability to think and learn
Toddlers sitting down playing

EI Services during COVID 19

EI

Behaviors that are age-appropriate


3 Months
Follows objects, coos, cries when hungry or uncomfortable, smiles, rolls over, raises head when on tummy

6 Months
Knows familiar faces, lifts head, likes to watch his/her hands and look at things around them, shows excitement at feedings, brings hands together to center

12 Months
Rolls a ball, likes to play with toys, says and understands some words, responds to simple requests, pulls to stand up

18 Months
Starts to speak several words, points to body parts, begins to show independence

24 Months
Speaks several words together, feeds self with spoon and drinks from a cup, walks up and down stairs, follows simple commands, pays attention to short stories

30 Months
Asks for assistance when having difficulty, shy with strangers, takes off own shoes and socks, scribbles with pencil or crayons

36 Months
Follows 2-step commands, easily picks up small objects, use three word sentences, enjoys playing with other children


Who is Eligible?

Infants and toddlers who have special needs due to a developmental delay or disability are eligible for Early Intervention Services. Eligibility is determined through a Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE) performed by an Independent Assessment Team. The team identifies concerns and assesses all areas of the child’s development. Once eligibility has been determined, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. Some services offered by Early Intervention include:

  • Speech Therapy
  • Physical Therapy 
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Special Instruction
  • Nutrition
  • Hearing/Vision Support Services

Infants/Toddlers may be eligible for tracking services based on the following categories:

  • Low Birth Weight
  • Cared for in a Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Prenatal Substance Exposure
  • Referred by County Children & Youth Agency
  • Exposed to Lead
  • Experiencing Homelessness


Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC)

The LICC is a group of parents/caregivers and EI professionals who work together to develop the best services for children and families. The LICC strives to: discuss services and ways to improve them, link families with other families in the EI system, and review laws and regulations governing Early Intervention.

To learn more about LICC, call (724) 430-1370


Every child grows and learns at his or her own pace. Children can vary in skills and development. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have concerns about your child’s development, early intervention can help.


Contact Us

If you would like to inquire about Early Intervention in Fayette County, call 724-430-1370 for a referral.

Early Intervention in Pennsylvania Statewide CONNECT Line: Linking families to early intervention services and support.           1-800-692-7288 | www.connectpa.net