Maggie Dietrich
Board-Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist
As a parent or caregiver, you want to do everything you can to help your little one grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. But what happens if you notice your baby isn’t meeting milestones, or you just feel like something is off? That’s where Early Intervention (EI) comes in.
Let’s walk through what parents need to know, including when to request an early intervention evaluation and what to expect every step of the way.
What Is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention (EI) services are federally-funded free or low-cost support programs available for children (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Each state runs their EI programs differently and has different criteria for eligibility.
EI services are tailored to the child’s individual needs, and may include things like:
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Developmental therapy
- Family support and education
EI services take place in natural environments, such as at the child’s home or an early education center, to ensure little ones are comfortable and fully supported.
Overall, the goal is to offer extra support to help your little one learn and grow during the years when their brain is developing most rapidly.
Who Is Early Intervention For?
Early Intervention is for infants and toddlers, starting from birth to age 3, who are not meeting developmental milestones or who have a diagnosed condition that may impact development.
It can be incredibly helpful for little ones who show signs of delays in areas like:
- Speech and language development
- Gross or Fine motor skills
- Cognitive skills
- Social or emotional development
- Feeding or sensory challenges
Even if you’re not sure something is specifically wrong, it’s better to request an early intervention evaluation. Intervention can make a huge difference. Many children are able to adapt or catch up with just a little extra support.
While it’s great for children, early intervention is also for families as a whole. It can empower families with tools, knowledge, and support during a critical window of growth.
When Should You Request an Evaluation?
The short answer is you should request an evaluation as soon as you have concerns. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re worried enough to Google or ask friends about it more than once, it’s time to request an evaluation.
As the name implies, early intervention is most effective when you start early. There’s no need to “wait and see.” If you notice your child struggling, reach out. The earlier your little one receives support, the more impact it can have on their growth and future learning.
You don’t have to wait for a pediatrician to suggest a referral. You can self-refer to your local early intervention program at any time.
How Do You Request an Evaluation?
If you have concerns and would like to request an evaluation, the process is straightforward and free. Here’s how to start:
- Contact your state’s Early Intervention program. You can visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Early Intervention page and search for your state program. Each state has a central phone line and website for early intervention services.
- Make a referral. You can do this yourself without a doctor’s note. Pediatricians, caregivers, and daycare providers can also make referrals on behalf of your little one.
- Provide basic information. As part of the referral process, you’ll share your child’s name, age, and what concerns you’ve noticed.
Once you make the official request, a representative from your state’s early intervention program will schedule an evaluation.
How to Prepare for an Early Intervention Evaluation
It’s normal to feel a little nervous before your child’s evaluation. A little preparation ahead of time can make the process smoother and less stressful for both you and your child.
Here are some tips that can help ensure everyone feels calm, confident, and ready to go.
- Write down concerns. Write down things you’ve noticed. Examples and details are more helpful than general worries, so the more specific you can get, the better. This will help the evaluator understand your child better.
- Prepare questions. Jot down anything you’d like to ask about early childhood milestones, services, or next steps. That way, you won’t forget to ask anything when you’re in the moment.
- Gather records. Bring any medical notes, reports from your pediatrician, or daycare feedback. These can give the team a clearer picture of what’s going on with your child.
- Ensure your child is well rested and fed. Generally, a nap and snack beforehand will help your little one feel comfortable and ready to play.
- Invite another caregiver. If possible, have your partner or another trusted caregiver join in. They can help remember details or fill in any gaps and can provide emotional support for you and your little one.
Remember, an evaluation is not a “test” that your child will pass or fail. It’s simply a way to understand how your little one is developing and how to best support them.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
The evaluation is relaxed and child-friendly. There’s no poking, prodding, or any scary “medical stuff.”
Think of it as a few extra people playing with your child while also gathering important information. They’ll be looking at your child’s strengths and assessing areas of concern.
An early intervention evaluation usually takes place at your home or in a familiar setting for your child.
A team of early childhood specialists will evaluate your child with a variety of play-based assessments, parent or caregiver questions, and other tools.
- Play-based assessment: Evaluators will observe how your child plays, communicates, moves, and interacts with them, you, and other toys or objects.
- Parent interview: Evaluators will ask you some questions about your child’s skills, routines, and behaviors. You know your child best and spend the most time with them, so they want to get your perspective on what you’re seeing.
- Standardized tools. Evaluators will use checklists or developmental tests to measure skills.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
Once the evaluation is complete, you’ll review the results and work together to decide on the next steps.
- If your child qualifies for early intervention, you’ll work with the specialists to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This outlines the tailored services your child will receive and the goals for their development. You’ll start moving forward with the plan as soon as possible.
- If your child doesn’t qualify, the evaluation team will likely provide resources and tips to support your child at home or recommend a follow-up later. This may include community resources, support groups, or even recommendations for your child’s pediatrician.
Either way, you’ll leave with the next steps to support your child moving forward.
Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
Even when you know an evaluation is the right step, it can cause a range of emotions. You might feel overwhelmed by the paperwork or worried about what the results could mean for your child. That’s totally normal.
Here are some of the most common challenges families experience during the evaluation process—and simple ways to make the journey a little smoother.
- Feeling nervous or judged. Evaluations can spur a lot of emotions. Whether it’s therapy, a trusted family member, or a friend, find someone you can talk to and process through your emotions in a healthy way. Remember, an evaluation isn’t about blame. Everyone just wants what’s best for your little one moving forward.
- Not knowing what to say. Write down your concerns ahead of the evaluation or appointments so you don’t forget. Videos, voice memos, or even notes on your phone can be helpful for documenting specific examples or note when something is top of mind so you don’t forget about it later.
- Worrying about labels. A label is just a label. It doesn’t change who your child is or how much you love them. While a diagnosis can feel scary, it also opens the doors to additional understanding, support, and services that can help your child reach their full potential.
- Paperwork overload. Yes, there’s definitely a lot of paperwork involved. To help, ask your coordinator to explain forms in plain language, digitize whenever possible, and keep things organized in a specific folder. That way, you’ll always have access to what you need when you need it.
Early Intervention Is Powerful
Advocating for your child is something to be proud of.
Requesting an early intervention evaluation may feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most powerful steps you can take as a parent. The earlier your little one gets the support they need, the more they thrive.
If you have concerns, reach out to your pediatrician, your state’s early intervention program, or a local child development specialist. You don’t have to walk this road alone.
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