Free Early Intervention Services in Grand Forks: Helping Children Ages 0–3 Thrive

Every child grows and develops in their own unique way. Some take their first steps at nine months, others at fifteen. Some toddlers are chattering by their second birthday, while others need a little extra time. 

For parents in Grand Forks, it can be hard to know when to wait and when to reach out for support.

About 1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental delay or disability, and many thrive with the right help. Free early intervention services in Grand Forks are available for children from birth through age three who may be experiencing delays or at risk.

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

Despite the benefits of early intervention services, only around 7 percent of U.S. children under age 3 receive the support they need.

Parents are usually the first to notice when something feels different. Maybe your toddler isn’t speaking yet, or your baby seems stiff when you pick them up. These observations matter and can be the first step toward getting support. 

Here are some signs that early support may help:

• Physical delays – Not rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking when expected. For example, if your child isn’t sitting independently by 9 months or walking by 18 months, physical therapy could encourage strength and coordination.
  
  
• Speech and language concerns – Limited babbling, not responding to their name, or no first words by 15–18 months. Speech services can help children communicate needs and ideas through play and modeling.
  
  
• Social and emotional signs – Avoiding eye contact, not smiling in response, or showing little interest in play. Early support can help build stronger connections and social confidence.
  
  
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties – Frequent gagging, coughing, or difficulty transitioning to solid foods. Feeding therapy ensures children can eat safely and comfortably.
  
  
• Hearing or vision concerns – Challenges in responding to sounds, voices, or visual cues. Specialists can determine whether sensory concerns are affecting development.

Why the First Three Years Matter

The first three years are considered a critical window for development. Infants build up to one million new neural connections every second, laying the foundation for skills like communication, social interaction, and problem-solving.

When children receive high-quality early intervention during this window, the benefits are measurable and lasting:

• Greater readiness for school: Children who participate in early intervention are more likely to enter kindergarten with age-appropriate skills—even when early delays were present.
  
  
• Reduced need for special education services: The same study shows children who receive EI services often catch up to their peers in communication, motor, social, and adaptive functioning.
  
  
• Improved emotional and social functioning: Early services support trauma-sensitive care and helps children regulate behavior and reduce frustration. These skills improve peer relationships and emotional well‑being over time. 

   

• Early Intervention can support caregivers with behavior concerns such as aggression or biting as well as supporting appropriate toys and play activities.

For parents, this means peace of mind and a clear plan forward, instead of waiting and wondering.

What Do Grand Forks Early Intervention Programs Offer—and How Families Are Involved

Our Early Intervention team consists of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and special education educators. This team is trained to support all areas of development including:

• Communication skills – Encouraging babbling, first words, and early conversation skills through modeling and play.
  
  
• Motor skills – Building strength and coordination with crawling practice, walking support, and balance activities.
  
  
• Functional development – Using sensory play, fine motor activities, and problem‑solving tasks to support self‑regulation and learning.
  
  
• Feeding support – Helping children eat safely and successfully, while guiding families on mealtime strategies.
  
  
• Social and emotional support – Teaching turn‑taking, eye contact, and calming strategies to foster early friendships and connection.

What makes these programs effective is how they’re delivered. Services take place in natural environments—your home, or community spaces—so skills are practiced where children feel comfortable.

What Everyday Life Looks Like with Early Intervention

For many families, the most surprising part of early intervention is how seamlessly it fits into daily routines.

Here’s what families often experience once services begin:

Early intervention gives families tools to make growth part of everyday life. This family-centered approach supports the child and helps caregivers feel equipped and less overwhelmed.

Get Support for Grand Forks Families

The first three years shape a child’s future in profound ways. Recognizing concerns early and seeking support can change the path of how a child learns, communicates, and thrives.

North Dakota families face unique challenges. Living in the Red River Valley, long winters may limit play and social opportunities, while rural communities may feel far from healthcare resources.

Located at 1811 South Washington Street, Pediatric Partners, a part of the Sevita family, provides free early intervention services for children ages 0–3 throughout Grand Forks County and surrounding communities like East Grand Forks, Northwood, and Larimore. 

Request more information today by calling 888-875-5262 and start building the tools, support, and confidence your child needs to thrive For more information, visit us at pediatricpartnersclinic.com.