Children grow and develop in their own unique ways, however some children experience delays in their development. In South Carolina children with developmental delays and disabilities benefit from a state supported collaboration among parents, service providers, and other agencies that work with children needing special services. Early intervention builds on the natural learning opportunities that occur during the daily routines of a child and their family.
Early intervention includes but is not limited to the following services:
1. Provides families independence
2. Respects families strengths, values and diversity
3. Supports services and resources for children that enhance daily opportunities for learning
4. Provides visits in settings where a child would be if he/she did not have developmental delay/disabilities
5. special instruction/family training
6. nursing services
7. social work services
8. nutrition services
9. assistive technology devices and services
10. physical therapy (PT)
11. occupational therapy (OT)
12. speech pathology (SLP)
Early intervention further provides an opportunity to assist and empower families to meet their child’s needs as well as the needs of the family. An Early Interventionist (EI) offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to have a family-focused service to assist their child from ages birth to six. Children and families are entitled to these services, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income.
Early Intervention supports and services are designed to meet developmental needs of children with a disability as well as the needs of the family related to enhancing the child’s development in the following ways:
1. physical development, including vision and hearing
2. cognitive development
3. social or emotional development
4. adaptive development