What Is Early Intervention for Ages 0–3? A Guide for Parents

Early intervention (EI) plays an essential role in helping young children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Designed for children from birth through age 3, early intervention identifies and offers support for developmental delays as soon as possible — making a big difference in a child’s future.

Understanding how EI works, when to seek support, and what services are included is important for every parent or caregiver. 

What Is Early Intervention?

Early intervention (EI) refers to developmental services for children from birth to age three who experience or are at risk for developmental delays. These services aim to improve a child’s skills in areas such as:

• Speech
• Mobility
• Play
• Emotional development

In the U.S., early intervention is supported by federal law through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. This ensures access to services in children’s homes or communities during a critical developmental window. 

Benefits of Early Intervention

A 2024 Cochrane Review found that early developmental interventions for preterm infants significantly improve cognitive outcomes by preschool age. Early diagnosis and Early Intervention services can have important long-term benefits as well.

Starting services between infancy and age three can have lasting positive effects on a child’s development and their family’s well-being, including:

• Improved developmental outcomes – language, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional skills
• Stronger school readiness – more prepared for preschool and kindergarten
• Reduced need for later services – fewer delays mean fewer interventions required in school-aged years
• Support for families – parents feel more confident, informed, and empowered

Early intervention is also considered cost-effective, as it reduces the need for more intensive services later in life. 

Early Intervention: Why Timing Matters

It’s important to remember that children develop at different rates, and not every delay indicates a developmental concern for your child. But the earlier a child who needs it receives help, the greater the opportunity to build key developmental skills. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes that early intervention between birth and age 3 teaches children important skills and improves long-term developmental outcomes.

Early intervention can support children who:

• Have been diagnosed with developmental conditions
• Show signs of delay in speech, movement, or social behavior
• Were born prematurely or with low birth weight
• Are at risk due to environmental, genetic, or medical factors

What Does Early Intervention Include?

Early intervention programs offer a range of services to meet the needs of both children and families. These services are personalized and may vary depending on the child’s challenges and parents’ goals.

Common types of early intervention include:

• Speech-language therapy to support communication and language development
• Occupational therapy to assist with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children build social, behavioral, and life skills
• Mental health counseling to support emotional regulation and parent-child bonding

Parents and caregivers are key partners in early intervention. EI support available for adults may also include: 

• Parent coaching and training
• Help with daily routines like feeding, dressing, and play
• Emotional support for managing stress and understanding developmental needs

Services may be delivered at home, in child care settings, or at a clinic, depending on what works best for the family.

What Happens If My Child Qualifies for EI Services?

If a child qualifies for services, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is created. This plan includes:

• A summary of the child’s developmental levels
• Specific goals for the child and family
• A list of services and how often they’ll take place
• Strategies for supporting the child’s development at home

A service coordinator helps manage the plan and ensures the child and family receive consistent support.

Early Intervention: Barriers and Considerations

Despite its benefits, not every family can access early intervention services easily. Barriers may include:

• Availability – waitlists, location, and provider shortages can limit available services
• Delayed identification – families or providers may miss early signs or hesitate to act
• Cultural or language barriers – some families may feel unsure about navigating the system or feel stigma around their child’s developmental delays

These considerations also reflect why timing is important. Public awareness and education can help ensure more families get the support they need. Being proactive in the process of supporting your child can make a big difference, too.

How to Get Started

Many parents wonder when to act if they notice delays in their child’s development. The good news is that you don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek help. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, families are encouraged to make a direct referral if language delays are noticed, as early services can dramatically improve communication outcomes. Early intervention is designed to be proactive.

Here are some steps to take:

• Talk to your pediatrician – Share your observations and ask about a developmental screening.
• Contact your local early intervention program – All U.S. states and territories allow parents to refer their child directly for an evaluation.

Know your rights – Under IDEA Part C, children can receive services at no or low cost, regardless of parent income.

Getting Early Intervention Support for Your Child

Children develop at their own pace, but some need extra help to reach key milestones. Early intervention provides targeted support during a critical window. This helps children build confidence, independence, and skills that last a lifetime.

Pediatric Partners offers early intervention services including ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, and family-centered support for children ages 0 to 3.

Get connected to care that supports your child’s unique path forward.