Early Childhood Education

In Pennsylvania, Early Intervention programs provide services and supports for families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities, beginning at age three and continuing until kindergarten entry. These special education and related services are offered at no cost to families when a child meets eligibility criteria. Early Intervention is tailored to support the child’s learning and development in the environment they would naturally be in if they did not have a disability.

If a child is determined eligible for special education services through screening and/or evaluation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. Parents and Early Intervention professionals collaborate in this process to develop a plan that addresses the child’s needs.

The IEP team, including you and professionals supporting your child, will determine the necessary services. These may include inclusion support in community preschool or daycare settings, early childhood special education classes, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or visually impaired.