---
title: What is early intervention?
description: Early intervention is services and supports to help young children with developmental delays. Learn who qualifies for early intervention, types of services, and more.
slug: early-intervention-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
author: Amanda Morin
published: '2019-08-05T15:07:13.106Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/19MDXk0FhYEhoVunL2DQym/db2de6456288e2febd5bf78ce2564bfd/G1140250743.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/early-intervention-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
lang: en
---

# What is early intervention?

Early intervention refers to services and supports that can help young children with [developmental delays](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-developmental-delays). It’s like special education but it’s for eligible infants and toddlers who are behind at reaching developmental milestones. 

Through early intervention, kids from birth to age 3 can get services at home** **or in the community. Different types of specialists** **work with kids and their families depending on which skills are delayed. Early intervention focuses on skills in these areas:

- **Physical skills **(reaching, crawling, walking, drawing, building)
- **Cognitive skills **(thinking, learning, solving problems)
- **Communication skills** (talking, listening, understanding others)
- **Self-help or adaptive skills** (eating, dressing)
- **Social or emotional skills **(playing, interacting with others)

Although all states offer early intervention, not all states do it the same way. A health care provider or a childcare provider might refer kids for an early intervention evaluation. Some states allow families to make their own referrals if they’re concerned. 

If kids are found eligible, a team from the state’s early intervention program works with the family to develop an [Individualized Family Service Plan](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/ifsp-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) (IFSP). This plan defines goals and the types of services to help children and their families.

---

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