The Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program gives early help to children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, as well as their families.
The goal is to help children stay active in daily family life and grow so they can thrive in their early years and in the future.
Children and their families can receive services in:
- their homes,
- childcare centers,
- preschools or school programs, or
- their communities.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C
The federal program that funds and guides ESIT’s statewide system of services and supports.
Supporting Immigrant Families Frequently Asked Questions
ESIT Guiding Concepts
- Read Guiding Concepts for a summary of the foundational principals of early intervention.
I am concerned about my child's development. Who do I contact for help?
- Read Please Ask, Babies Can’t Wait, which shows the importance of referring infants and toddlers to early intervention.
- To learn about typical development, read the birth-to-6 pre-screening chart.
- For early care and education supports, visit Help Me Grow Washington or call the Help Me Grow hotline to speak with a Family Resource Navigator at 1-800-322-2588. Services are available in multiple languages. Help Me Grow can help with:
- Free child developmental screening for all kids under 5,
- Connections to services and supports that are close to home like parenting classes, infant and toddler supplies, and medical clinics,
- Activities and games that support healthy growth and learning,
- If your child needs extra support, Help Me Grow WA can provide connections to resources and specialists who can help,
- Additional family supports such as food assistance resources and free or low-cost health insurance.
