Early Intervention (EI) is a federally mandated state-run program which is offered at no or low cost to families. For children under the age of 3, the state typically contracts out EI programs to clinics and learning centers. This program can be called "From Birth to Three" in some states. For children age 3 and over, your local school district is required to offer special-ed school and preschool services. For either program, and upon your request, the child should be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team made of education specialists, therapists and psychologists. For Early Intervention, the family will receive an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). For special-ed, the family will receive an IEP (Individualized Education Program ). Legally this plan must be followed by the center or school responsible for providing the services.

If any of the below applies, then your child may be found to be at risk of developmental delay (or disabled), and therefore eligible for Early Intervention Services.

• Your child has special health or learning needs;
• Your child was born with a very low birth weight;
• You think your child is slow to begin crawling, walking or talking;
• Your child has vision, hearing, or feeding problems;
• You and your family need help figuring out if your child is "OK".

A child must meet at least one of the following eligibility areas.

• A developmental delay in one or more of the following areas:
  • Communication - How a child communicates with others and makes his or her needs known.
  • Cognitive - How a child thinks and learns.
  • Physical - How a child moves, as well as his or her vision and hearing.
  • Social/Emotional - How a child feels and interacts with others.
  • Adaptive - How a child eats, dresses and sleeps; or
• A physical or medical condition which is typically associated with developmental delays, such as Down Syndrome, severe vision or hearing impairments, fetal alcohol syndrome; or
• At risk factors (qualifying under at least four of the twenty risk factor areas) that may result in developmental delays, e.g., low birth weight, failure to thrive, family support stressors, and barriers to accessing support.

You usually can start the process by asking for a referral from your pediatrician or from your school district. Because of the cost, some school districts and possibly state agencies) may attempt to dissuade families from using their services. By federal law, though, your school district and any EI center must give you information about what your rights are in requesting these services. Be your child's advocate and don't let them thwart your attempts. Be aware that an evaluation and services can not be denied because a child does not speak English.

Special education is covered under the federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).