Before my daughter was born I had no idea early intervention existed; I certainly never knew it was a career path for a dietitian. If you’re like me and did not realize this amazing resource existed, here’s a little bit about early intervention.
Early intervention is a system of services and supports for children, age 0-3 years, born with developmental delays and disabilities. For some families, diagnoses are made during pregnancy or at birth that indicate the likely need for early intervention. For others, children may take longer to meet certain milestones than other same aged children. This would lead to a parent, pediatrician, or other provider to request a referral to an early intervention program. All US states and territories have an early intervention program.
The well-known services provided include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Some of the lesser known services include special instruction (a teacher), vision therapy, behavioral therapy, and nutrition therapy. Not all children need all services and not all services are available in all areas. Early intervention providers must be licensed and credentialed; they also undergo background checks. Services are meant to be delivered in the child’s natural environment, which means their home, daycare, or community space. Some services can be delivered virtually when appropriate and feasible.
Early intervention is designed to support children in meeting their own potential, whether meeting milestones or mastering certain skills on their own timeline. Early intervention gives families a team of invested professionals helping them make life more equitable for their child(ren) and family.
As a parent of a child who has benefitted greatly from the early intervention program in my state, Early Steps, I want to share this amazing resources with as many people as I can. I am so grateful to her providers and to the whole program.
