Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our early intervention services and family-centered approach.
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention (EI) is a comprehensive program designed to provide timely, individualized support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Our services are delivered in the natural environment of your home to promote the best possible outcomes for your child.
Who is eligible for services?
In Pennsylvania, children under 3 years old can be found eligible for Early Intervention
services by four pathways. Children will be assessed to determine if they have a
developmental delay in one or more areas of development. An evaluation team will go
to a child’s home or early childhood education program and assess their cognitive,
communication, physical (gross motor and fine motor), social emotional, and self-help
skills.
The 4 pathways identified in Pennsylvania law to determine if a child is eligible for EI
are:
1. A developmental delay of 25% in one of the developmental areas (using an
assessment tool)
2. A developmental delay of -1.5 standard deviations below the mean in one of the
developmental areas (using an assessment tool)
3. A diagnosis that has a high probability of developmental delay
4. Informed Clinical Opinion – a child can also be eligible for EI, even if their test
scores do not qualify them. If evaluators have concerns about the child’s
development and the child does not have a diagnosis or qualifying scores, the
evaluators can use Informed Clinical Opinion in order to recommend EI services.
How do I request services?
Call the statewide office directly.
For Montgomery County residents, call the local office at 610.277.7176
During your intake call, an evaluation will be scheduled to determine eligibility.
ALL services, including the evaluation, are FREE to ALL Pennsylvania families.
What services are offered?
When a child is found eligible for Early Intervention, the services they receive are determined by the family, the evaluators, and the Service Coordinator. The services are selected based on the family’s priorities for their child and which interventions will help the child and their caregivers make progress. The most commonly provided services are:
• Service Coordination (not provided by REDI)
• Special Instruction
• Speech Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Nutrition
There are other services available if needed and decided upon by the team.