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Early Intervention

Early Intervention

Publicly funded services for babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, how to request an evaluation, and what the family service plan involves.

Based on CDC · CPIR · U.S. Department of Education · NICHD · AAP HealthyChildren.org · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

Birth–3IDEA Part C early intervention serves babies and toddlers from birth through the third birthdayCenter for Parent Information and Resources
45 daysthe expected time from referral to a completed IFSPCenter for Parent Information and Resources
No referralneeded — families can request an evaluation themselves, free or at reduced costCDC

What early intervention is

Early intervention is the state-run system, required under Part C of IDEA, that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities build skills. Services are free or at reduced cost for eligible children, and families can refer themselves — a doctor’s referral is not necessary. Listings link to external organizations; they do not imply affiliation, endorsement or guaranteed services, and eligibility, availability and costs change — confirm directly with each organization.

Find your state program

Federal agencyCDC — Early intervention contacts by stateProgram links and phone numbers for every state, D.C. and the U.S. territories; eligibility rules are set by each state, so contact the program near you to learn more.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — What is early intervention?CDC’s plain-language explanation of early intervention — speech, physical and occupational therapy and other supports — available in every state and territory, with eligibility based on an evaluation of the child’s skills.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Overview of Early InterventionThe Center for Parent Information and Resources explains services from birth through the third birthday, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and the expectation that referral to IFSP be completed within 45 days.Visit official resource

Your role in the plan

NonprofitCPIR — Parent participation in early interventionA curated list on parents’ right to take part in decisions about their child’s services, with age-based developmental guides for birth to 36 months and links to state-specific rights materials.Visit official resource Federal agencyU.S. Department of Education — IDEA: Parents and FamiliesThe Department of Education’s parents-and-families page describes the IFSP, Part C procedural safeguards (confidentiality, prior written notice, parental consent, dispute resolution) and the Parent Training and Information Centers in every state.Visit official resource Federal agencyCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.The “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program: free milestone checklists and the Milestone Tracker app for birth to 5 years, and the reminder to act early if you have a concern.Visit official resource

Intervention approaches

Federal agencyCDC — Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum DisorderCDC groups autism interventions into behavioral, developmental, educational, social-relational, pharmacological, psychological and complementary categories; it notes the Early Start Denver Model is used with children aged 12 to 48 months.Visit official resource Federal agencyNICHD — What are the treatments for autism?NICHD explains that no single standard treatment exists, that early diagnosis and intervention are linked with larger positive effects, and lists intervention types; it advises consulting a provider who specializes in autism.Visit official resource NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — If Autism is Suspected, What’s Next?The American Academy of Pediatrics advises pursuing supports while waiting for an evaluation — state early intervention under age 3, school district services at 3 and older, and developmental preschool for ages 3 to 5.Visit official resource

Questions to ask

  • How do I request an evaluation, and is there a cost?
  • How long does it take from referral to the first service?
  • Which services does the IFSP include, and where are they delivered (home, child care, clinic)?
  • What happens when my child turns 3 — how is the transition to preschool services handled?

This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.

External listings do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or guaranteed services. Eligibility, availability, costs, and insurance coverage may change. Research summaries reflect evidence available at the time of review.