Early Childhood Intervention: What Is It, And Should I Consider It For My Child?

When an infant or toddler seems to develop slower than other children their age, parents may feel a mixture of emotions. At times, differences in development may mean a mental or physical health condition, and in other circumstances, it may be a natural social difference or growth phase. Learning more about how early childhood intervention works and how to receive support may benefit you during this time.

This article will explore developmental delays in children and how options like early intervention programs, physical therapy, language therapy, and more might help. Primary caregivers and parents alike often find comfort in learning more about developmental disabilities and how to determine eligibility for an early childhood intervention (ECI) program.

The basics of early childhood intervention

Early childhood intervention (ECI) refers to services designed to help children ages three and younger reach developmental milestones or address specific health concerns or medically-diagnosed conditions. The goal of this specialty is often to address the concerns of children at a young age to potentially prevent later difficulties in school, at home, or in adolescence.

Where is ECI done, and how long does it last?

Early childhood interventions can be done in the home, classroom, or childcare centers designed for such programs. Children often stay in ECI until they reach age three. However, some states continue services after the child's third birthday, providing assistance as children grow up. If your child needs accommodated education services, these services may begin after the early childhood intervention finishes. 

What role do the parents play in ECI?

The family can play a significant role in early childhood intervention. ECI specialists involve caregivers, siblings, or other individuals in the family in the infant or toddler's developmental programs. They may teach the family ways to foster development and provide outside resources to help them meet the child's needs.

What types of services are included in the intervention?

Early childhood intervention programs vary by state. They may include a wide range of services, including but not limited to the following: 

• Screening

• Assessment

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Speech therapy and language skills training 

• Medical and nursing services

• Nutrition services

• Hearing and vision services

• Social work services

• Psychological services

• Home visits and transportation

What skills can children develop through ECI?

In ECI, babies and toddlers receive support in developing skills typical of their age group. These new skills may include:

• Physical skills like crawling, walking, motor control, and drawing

• Cognitive skills like learning and problem-solving

• Communication skills like talking and listening

• Self-help skills like dressing and eating

• Social and emotional skills like playing and social interaction

• Sensory processing skills like recognizing textures, sounds, and tastes

What is an early childhood intervention specialist?

If your child is accepted into a program, they may work with one or more early childhood intervention specialists. Early childhood intervention is a specific branch of special education. There are several types of ECI specialists, including the following: 

• Speech and Language Pathologists: Speech, language, early literacy, feeding, and swallowing

• Physical Therapists: Developing strength, balance, and coordination

• Occupational Therapists: Fine motor skills, sensory processing, and play skills

• Psychologists: Behavior, mental health, learning disabilities, emotional control, and developing relationships

• Nurses: Physical health, medical diagnosis, or treatment planning 

• Nutritionists: Diet and feeding challenges 

• Audiologists: Hearing tests and hearing aids or lip-reading training 

• Social Workers: Social development and resources

• Developmental Therapists: Learning activities to foster the child's thinking, learning, and social development

• Vision Specialists: Vision assessments or eye exercises

What is an ECI assessment?

Often, the first step in determining if your child needs early childhood intervention services is to go for an ECI screening. The screening is a quick assessment to determine whether further assessment is needed. Pediatricians or pediatric nurses often conduct screenings. However, teachers can also screen children enrolled in early childhood education programs. If the screening indicates that your child might benefit from support, a more detailed assessment may be recommended, and a referral might be offered for you to see an ECI specialist. 

How do ECI specialists conduct assessments?

Several specialists may be involved if your child is referred for a full ECI assessment. A child psychologist or developmental pediatrician might provide a diagnosis if your child has a suspected developmental challenge. Other specialists may enter the picture if specific problems are noted in the screening. For example, if your child is experiencing challenges with speech, a speech pathologist can do an in-depth assessment of that area. These more in-depth assessments may last an hour or more.

What are child development milestones?

Child development milestones are behaviors that children often demonstrate at a specific point in their lives. The body and brain develop at a rate that is roughly the same for many children. Knowing these milestones can help you recognize whether your child is meeting them. You can find a complete list of these milestones on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

Childhood developmental milestones include social and emotional behaviors, language and communication, thinking and problem-solving, and physical development. For example, a child who can sit without support at six months is meeting their milestones. There may be some variation in age, but it is often slight. If your child is eight months old and not sitting up without support, early childhood intervention might benefit your family. 

Are my child's developmental delays "too mild" for intervention?

If you're wondering whether your child's developmental problems are a serious concern, note that screening is a short process. Your doctor or child specialist can often pick up on these milestones and offer a referral. 

Your child may be given a full assessment if the initial screening shows cause for concern. You don't have to be the one to determine if there's a problem or how serious it might be. Doctors are there to support you. However, you might consider getting a second opinion if you continue to notice challenges after an "all clear" is given. 

Is my child too old for early childhood intervention services (ECI services)?

If your child is younger than three years, they can get help from early childhood intervention services. If your child is three or older, you can still have them assessed. Depending on your state, other services may be available to your child if developmental problems are found during the assessment. In addition, many schools offer accommodations to children assessed for developmental or learning disabilities. 

Will my child benefit from early intervention services?

Early childhood intervention specialists are trained to work with young children in ways that can help them work on developmental milestones. If an assessment shows your child could benefit from support, consider contacting for a consultation to learn how these programs can be personalized to your family's needs. 

The benefits may also stay with your child for the rest of their life. In one study, children in early childhood intervention programs in the first five years of life had better health, cognitive skills, school achievement, grade levels, earnings, and lower rates of criminality up to 30 years later.

How to receive support as a parent or caregiver

The decision to take your child to early childhood intervention specialists for screening and assessment can be challenging. Some parents feel like accepting help is an admission of inadequacy. Others may fear introducing their infant or young child to people they don't know.

If you've never been involved with early childhood interventions, you may find it challenging to give it a chance. You might start by talking to others whose children have been through ECI. Talk about the situation with close friends who know your child well. If you need further advice or want to talk about subjects you don't feel comfortable discussing with friends and family, you can also contact a therapist. 

As it can be challenging to reach out for an early childhood intervention, seeking help from a mental health professional can also be difficult. You may feel embarrassed about your situation or hesitant to talk to a stranger about these sensitive topics in person. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may eliminate these barriers to treatment. With internet-based counseling, you can talk to a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. If you're busy, you can also find sessions outside of standard business hours on many platforms.  

Online therapy has been proven effective, too. A recent meta-analysis found that online therapy has positive outcomes for the mental health of caregivers and parents caring for children. Another study showed that online treatment could effectively help parents learn to control their emotions, improving their coping skills during difficult parenting moments.