1. Exceptional Lives
  2. Massachusetts Guides
  3. What to Do When You Think Your Child May Be Different
  4. Early Intervention (Ages 0-3)

About Early Intervention and how to apply

Early Intervention (EI) is a free program for kids from 0-3 who need to catch up with some of the skills that kids their age should have.

EI gives them important services that will help them later on. After your child turns 3, the school system can offer these kinds of services if they qualify.

What does EI do?

  • Helps families to support their children who may have developmental delays.

  • Offers services that help them practice skills through play, and "catch up."

  • Works with families with children from 0-3 years old.

Examples of Early Intervention Services: First, Home Visits/Therapy. Specialists help to work on different skills. They help you learn how to encourage your child's development with focused kinds of play. Second, Specialty services. For kids with specific issues like autism of visual or hearing impairments. Third, Parent or sibling support groups: to help parents, brothers and sisters cope. Fourth, Community Playgroups. These can help with social skills along with your child's other goals.

Early intervention services are free if you qualify! They are paid for by the Mass Department of Public Health.

If kids get this focused play at an early age, they are more likely to catch up in their development. The earlier the better!

 

Click on the box below to learn how to apply:

There are many EI programs in Massachusetts. Each one serves a local town or area. You may have one in your area, or a few to choose from.

Here's what you can do:

Family TIES of Massachusetts is the organization that gets you started. They will tell you which program serves your town, and how to contact them.They also offer other kinds of support, like putting you in touch with other parents.Click here to go to the Family TIES Website.(This will open a new window or tab on your screen.)

image for Family Ties of Massachusetts. 1-800-905-TIES(8437). Support for families of kids with special nds. Parent support groups. Information. http://www.massfamilyties.org/

  • If your child is less than 3, they may be able to enroll and get these services until they are 3.

  • If your child is about 2 and a half, there may not be time to enroll, but you should call anyway. They can help to to get started with school-based services.

See our Early Intervention Guide to learn more.  

Sources: MA DOE, Family TIES of MA

Here's what you can do:

  • Call Family TIES of Massachusetts to find the EI program closest to you. You can call them at 800-905-8437.

  • If your child is less than 3, they may be able to enroll and get these services until they turn 3.

  • If your child is about 2 and a half, there may not be time to enroll, but you should call anyway. They can help to to get started with school-based services.

Learn more in the Early Intervention Guide. (Go to Tools at the top of the page and then Topics & Guides.)

 

Sources: LDH, Center for Parent Information and Resources