Early Intervention supports services and resources for children that enhance daily opportunities for learning provided in settings where a child would be if they did not have a developmental delay and disability, provides families' independence and competencies, and respects families' strengths, values and diversity. Supports and services are designed to meet the developmental needs of children with a disability, as well as the needs of the family related to enhancing the child's development in one or more of the following areas:
- Physical development, including vision and hearing
- Cognitive development
- Communication development
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development
Eligibility and Services
Children from birth to age five who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services.
The services provided to children and their families differ based upon the individual needs and strengths of each child and the child's family. Services may be provided in the child's home, child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, early childhood special education classroom or other settings familiar to the family. Early Intervention supports and services are embedded in typical routines and activities, within the family, community and/or early care and education settings. This approach provides frequent, meaningful practice and skill-building opportunities.
Costs
Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families.
Make a Referral
If you or a family member have a concern about a child’s development, contact Pennsylvania Statewide CONNECT. The family will be referred to a local Early Intervention program for a developmental screening and if appropriate an evaluation of the child’s development.
Early Intervention Provider List
A directory for Early Intervention (EI) service providers in Pennsylvania. It offers a list of providers who are approved to deliver early intervention services to children with developmental delays or disabilities. The directory includes contact information and details about each provider, helping families and professionals find and connect with appropriate services.
Laws and Regulations
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Act 212 of 1990
- Federal Part C (Infants/Toddlers)
- PA Chapter 4226 (Infant/Toddler)
- Federal Part B 619 Part B (Preschool)
- PA Chapter 14 (Preschool)
Other Areas of Interest
- State Interagency Coordinating Council
- Your Local Early Intervention Program at a Glance
- PA Dept. of Human Services
- Family Support Program
Part C Grant Application
1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Application
- Medicaid Waiver for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (PDF)
- DRAFT APPLICATION — Medicaid Waiver for Infants, Toddlers and Families (PDF)
- Public Comment for Draft Application: Medicaid Waiver for Infants, Toddlers and Families
Additional Information
Early Intervention Resources
Resources for Families
Problem Solving in Early Intervention is intended to help parents of children receiving early intervention understand their procedural safeguards, parent rights and how to problem solve when they have concerns about their child's Early Intervention program.
For detailed information: Problem Solving in Early Intervention
Resources for Professionals
State EI, Federal 619 and Federal 611 - Component I Contact Information
e-Grants Help Desk: ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov
- IDEA, Section 619 & 611 Program Issues
- State Early Intervention Program Issues
- Special Education Plan (Early Intervention)
Deb Noel: 717-265-8900 | dnoel@pa.gov
Emily Hackleman: 717-783-3636 | ehackleman@pa.gov
- IDEA, Section 619 & 611 Fiscal
- State Early Intervention Fiscal
- EI School-Based Access
- Training & Technical Assistance Requirement
Brian Bell: 717-346-0038 | bribell@pa.gov
The Certificate of Competency in Early Intervention (CoCEI) is an alternative credential intended for educational personnel contracting with Preschool Early Intervention (EI) programs who do not hold an active Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Instructional Certificate but are actively working towards one. The credential is designed to ensure the competence of teachers/special instructors and speech-language pathologists who contract with Preschool EI programs to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children ages three to Kindergarten.