Early Intervention

Definition:

The term Early Intervention refers to services given to very young children with special needs, generally from birth until the child turns three. For this reason, these programs are sometimes called "Birth to 3" or "Zero to 3." Services included speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, provided either in an office or in the child's home. The hope is that these services, provided early, will address any delays in development so that the child will not need services later on. At age 3, if a child still needs help, he or she might be referred to the school district for special-education preschool. Your pediatrician should be able to refer you to early intervention providers in your area, or find your state on the NECTAC site and contact the office directly.

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Also Known As: Zero to 3, Birth to 3