Understanding Early Intervention Services

Any parent of a child with special needs knows that there is a lot to learn when it comes to services. As a newbie parent of preemie twins, one of whom had significant medical and disability needs, I had no knowledge of where to turn and what was necessary. In walked early intervention. I still do not know who referred us to early intervention, but I will be forever grateful.

Knowledgeable specialists came to my house to discuss my son’s situation and a plan was put in place for him to receive services from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired through Perkins School for the Blind, as well as physical therapy. 

It all came together for us at a time that was stressful and fraught with unknowns. As I moved though this program and became more educated, I realized how lucky I was to have been referred to them as their input was crucial in those early years. 

Framingham early intervention services are delivered through the  located on Franklin Street. This center also serves the towns of Ashland, Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Sherborn, Sudbury and Wayland. 

Parents, medical providers, community agencies and child care providers are able to refer a child to early intervention if there is a concern about a child’s development. Children who are premature, born with disabilities, are slow to crawl, walk, talk or have behavioral issues are often referred to early intervention. Once a call has been placed to early intervention, a team will visit the child for a screening to see if the child is eligible for services.  There is no cost to families and most services are provided in the child's home.

According to early intervention's Mass.gov website, any child age birth to three, who is a resident of Massachusetts, is eligible for early intervention provided that the child:

• Is not reaching age-appropriate milestones in one or more areas of development.
• Is diagnosed with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition that may result in a developmental delay.
• Is at risk for developmental delay due to various biological and/or environmental factors.

The early intervention team consists of a number of specialists all of whom are certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as early intervention specialists. These include:

• Speech and Language Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Developmental Specialist
• Pediatric Registered Nurse
• Social Worker
• Psychologist

If a child is deemed eligible, early intervention services will begin within 45 days following a referral. A staff member will act as service coordinator for the family and will arrange appropriate services specific to that child’s needs and developmental goals.

An Individualized Family Service Plan will be developed collaboratively by both parents and early intervention staff for each child and will be based on assessment results and strategies to provide a good outcome as a result of services.

There are also play groups for early intervention and community children known officially as developmental enrichment groups. This fosters social development through a structured environment for both the child and parent to enjoy in a group setting together.

If you have any concerns about your child’s developmental progress please call 508-620-1442 to talk to an early intervention staff member.