Resources & Materials

Early Intervention

What is early intervention?

The term “ early intervention”, as used here, refers to a program tof services for children of school age or younger who are discovered to have or be at risk of developing a disability or other special need that may affect their development. Early intervention consists in the provision of services such children and their families for the purpose of lessening the effects of the condition. Early intervention can be remedial or preventive in nature – remediating existing developmental problems or preventing their occurrence. Early intervention my focus on the child alone or on the child and the family together. Early intervention programs may be center-based, home-based, hospital-based, or a combination. Services range from identification – that is, hospital or school screening and referral services – to diagnostic and direct intervention programs. Early intervention may begin at any time between birth and school age; however, there are many reasons for it to begin as early as possible. (Adapted from kidsource.com)

Part C of IDEA 2004 - Overview of Early Intervention Services:
(taken from the NECTAS Website)

Utah’s Part C Services are called Baby Watch and they are administered under the Utah Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs. Local providers contract to run local programs. Click here to visit the Baby Watch website for more information. Congress established this program in 1986 in recognition of "an urgent and substantial need" to:

• enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities;
• reduce educational costs by minimizing the need for special education through early intervention;
• minimize the likelihood of institutionalization, and maximize independent living; and,
• enhance the capacity of families to meet their child's needs.

For more information, visit: http://www.nectas.unc.edu/partc/partc.asp