Fargo’s Free Early Intervention Programs for Infants & Toddlers: Helping Your Little One Thrive

The first three years of life are a time of extraordinary growth. Babies smile, crawl, walk, talk, and begin to connect with the world around them. But sometimes milestones arrive later than expected, and parents wonder if they should wait and see or ask for help.

About 1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental delay or disability. In Fargo–Moorhead, families don’t have to wait for answers. Early support is available, and with the right guidance, children can strengthen communication, motor, feeding, and social skills.

What Is Early Intervention?

Early intervention (EI) refers to free, family-centered services that support children from birth to age three who may have developmental delays or are at risk. Services are tailored to each child and family, focusing on everyday routines to make learning natural and effective. 

That might mean practicing motor skills during playtime, supporting language during storytime, or guiding feeding skills at meals. 

Families play a central role, learning strategies alongside therapists so progress continues long after each session.

How Do You Know If Your Child Might Benefit From Early Intervention?

As few as 6 to 7 percent of children under three get the support they need. This is why acting early makes a lasting difference. While every child develops at their own pace, certain signs may suggest extra support could help:

• Physical delays: Missing major milestones, like sitting without support by nine months or walking by 18 months, may signal a need for evaluation. Physical therapy can encourage strength, balance, and mobility through guided play.
  
  
• Speech and language delays:If your toddler isn’t babbling by 12 months or using words by 18 months, speech therapy may help. Early intervention specialists use play, modeling, and parent coaching to boost early communication.
  
  
• Social and emotional concerns: Babies are naturally wired to connect. If your little one avoids eye contact, rarely smiles, or struggles to engage with others, early intervention can strengthen social skills and bonding.
  
  
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties: Persistent gagging, coughing, or strong aversions to textures can impact nutrition. Feeding therapy helps children eat safely and comfortably, while expanding their diets.
  
  
• Hearing or vision concerns: Sometimes developmental challenges stem from undiagnosed sensory issues. Specialists can assess whether sight or hearing is affecting growth.

Why the First Three Years Matter

The brain develops rapidly in the earliest years of life. In fact, up to 1 million new neural connections form every second during infancy and toddlerhood. These early connections shape language, learning, behavior, and social skills.

Research shows that children who receive early intervention: 

• Demonstrate better academic and social-emotional outcomes: One study found that children who took part in early intervention and were considered “at risk” or diagnosed with developmental delays were about twice as likely to have age-appropriate communication, cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, and physical skills by kindergarten.
• Exit early intervention at or near developmental expectations: According to federal data from the Early Childhood Outcomes reporting system, a significant portion of children who start early intervention with delays achieve age-expected functioning or make substantial progress by the time they exit the program.

What Fargo’s Early Intervention Programs Offer — and How Families Are Involved

Early intervention gives children the right support at the right time, empowering families to be active participants in their child’s growth. In Fargo–Moorhead and surrounding communities, free EI programs for children ages 0–3 provide both specialized services and family-centered guidance.

Children may benefit from a range of therapies. For example:

• Speech and language therapy encourages early communication through babbling, first words, and play-based conversation.
  
  
• Physical therapy builds strength and coordination through crawling practice, balance activities, and walking support.
  
  
• Occupational therapy –uses sensory play, fine motor tasks, and structured routines to help children engage and self-regulate.
  
  
• Feeding and swallowing support guides families on safe feeding practices, introducing strategies to make mealtimes more comfortable.
  
  
• Social and emotional strategies promote skills like sharing, eye contact, and calming techniques through interactive games and play.

In fact, families are essential partners. 

Parents and caregivers help shape personalized plans that reflect their child’s strengths and needs. Therapists then coach families during daily routines—whether that’s practicing new sounds at mealtime, encouraging gross motor skills during play, or using calming strategies at bedtime. 

What Should Parents Expect from EI Services?

If this is your first experience with early intervention, it’s natural to feel uncertain. Knowing what to expect can ease some of that stress and help you feel prepared. 

The process usually looks like this:

1. Referral & Screening: Parents, caregivers, or pediatricians can request a free developmental screening if there are concerns. This first step is designed to identify whether further evaluation might be helpful for your child.
   
   
2. Evaluation: Specialists spend time observing your child, asking you questions, and gathering input from others involved in your child’s life, such as childcare providers. This helps build a complete picture of your child’s strengths and areas of need.
   
   
3. Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): Based on the evaluation, you and the team will create a plan with clear, realistic goals. The IFSP is customized to fit your child’s unique needs and routines, so strategies feel natural and manageable.
   
   
4. Start of Services: Therapists begin working with your child and family, often in your home. They don’t just “do therapy” for your child; they coach you on ways to build skills into everyday activities, such as meals, playtime, or bedtime.
   
   
5. Ongoing Review: Progress is checked regularly, and the plan evolves as your child reaches milestones. Families are encouraged to celebrate achievements along the way and adjust goals as needs change.

Get Local Support for Fargo Families

The first three years of life set the stage for a child’s future. Acting early can make the difference between waiting for milestones and supporting your child’s early growth.

Pediatric Partners serves children and families across Cass County, Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead, meeting families where they are. Services are offered in homes, childcare settings, or community spaces. Telehealth options are also available when in-person visits aren’t possible.

This flexibility helps families across North Dakota and Minnesota overcome barriers like long winters, rural distances, and busy schedules.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or just want peace of mind, our team is here to listen and help guide you through the next steps.