Early Intervention Program
While all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. The Dauphin County Early Intervention program provides support and services to families with children, from birth to age two years eleven months with developmental concerns. Early Intervention builds upon the learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family in the child’s natural environment.
How to Access Early Intervention Services:
Early Intervention Infant/Toddler Program serves children birth to age two years 11 months old who may be experiencing developmental concerns. Parents/guardians who have developmental concerns or questions about the child’s development should contact Case Management Unit (CMU), Dauphin County Early Intervention at 717.232.8761. A developmental evaluation for the child will be provided to the family free of charge. This evaluation will establish eligibility for any on-going developmental services through Early Intervention. More information can be found at: https://www.cmupa.org
If there are developmental concerns for a child 3 years-4 years 11 months old, please contact Capital Area Intermediate Unit at 717.732.8400 or visit info@caiu.org to receive a free cost to the family developmental screening and/or evaluation through the CAIU Preschool Age Early Intervention Program.
Early Intervention Services:
If a child is eligible, Early Intervention supports and services are FREE of cost to the family. An Individualized Family Service Plan will be developed specific to the family/child’s strengths and needs. Services will be held with the caregivers and family during the child’s daily routines at home, in the community, child care, etc. EI is a coaching program that empowers families and caregivers to integrate and guide strategies of learning into the child’s everyday living activities. Five main areas of development include:
- Physical development (fine and grow motor), including vision and hearing
- Cognitive development (play and problem solving)
- Communication development (expressive and receptive language)
- Social or emotional development (how a child relates with others and the environment)
- Adaptive development (everyday living activities-eating, dressing, sleeping)
Resources for Families:
ASERT: www.PAAutism.org an ASERT Autism Resource Guide
Community Links: Community Links | Resources for all ages and abilities www.community-links.net
Early Intervention Technical Assistance Portal: Home - Early Intervention Technical Assistance Online Learning Portal www.eita-pa.org
PA Family Network: https://www.visionforequality.org/programs/pa-family-network/
Child Care Consultants: https://childcareconsultants.org/
Capital Area Intermediate Unit: Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 - Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 www.caiu.org
Early Learning GPS: www.earlylearninggps.com