Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services may include, but are not limited to:

  • specialized instruction
  • speech therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • physical therapy

What to Expect from an Evaluation

  • You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to the evaluation.
  • You will be asked to share information about your child’s development, health and medical history. You will be asked to provide information about your family’s resources, priorities and concerns. This information is necessary to help the early intervention team develop a plan that meet the needs of your child and family.
  • A team of professionals will work with you to evaluate your child’s development in five areas:
    • Physical: Reaching for and grasping toys, crawling, walking, jumping.
    • Cognitive: Watching activities, following simple directions, problem-solving.
    • Social-emotional: Making needs known, initiating games, starting to take turns.
    • Communication: Vocalizing, babbling, using two- to three-word phrases.
    • Adaptive: Holding a bottle, eating with fingers, getting dressed.

Child Outcome Summary (COS) Process

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

Early intervention helps parents and caregivers support their child’s healthy development. The IFSP contains goals, or outcomes, that you and other members of the team will identify based on your family’s concerns, priorities and resources. Services will be identified to help your child and family meet the IFSP outcomes.

IFSP reviews: How will we know if my child is making progress?

Your child’s service providers track the progress made toward the IFSP outcomes. If your child is not making progress toward the outcome, the IFSP can be reviewed at any time at your request so any necessary changes can be made. The IFSP is required to be reviewed every six months and rewritten annually.

Transition: What happens at age 3?

Early intervention services end on your child’s third birthday. Prior to your child’s third birthday, a transition plan will be developed. The plan may include other programs or services for your child. Some children are eligible for early childhood special education services provided by the local school district. The transition brochure contains more information about the transition process.

Transition Brochure

Other Resources

Families are Important video - provides an overview of the IDEA, Part C Early Intervention in Washington:
English | Spanish

Guide to Assessment in Early Childhood: Birth to Age Eight (OSPI)

Zero to Three Guidelines

Natural learning environments video