June 5, 2026
Early Intervention is a coordinated system of services designed to help a child meet age-appropriate milestones. The earlier delays are identified and remediated, the easier it will be for the child to succeed academically when entering school.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Parents get concerned when their child’s development is delayed. Some do not realize the delay until the pediatrician mentions it. Others know something is not quite right because “this child isn’t doing what my other child did at the same age” or “my baby isn’t doing what the other kids his age are doing.”
While some doctors prefer to “wait and see” if the baby catches up, others refer for early intervention evaluation and services if needed. If your baby is behind, you may ask, “What is early intervention, and does my baby need it?”
Early intervention is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child’s age-appropriate growth and development and supports families during the critical early years. In the United States, early intervention services to eligible children and families are federally mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
In other words, if a child younger than six is deemed eligible for early intervention services, a coordinated team of professionals (early intervention educators, service coordinators, physical, occupational, and speech therapists) teaches the family techniques designed to help the child catch up with his peers and be ready to enter school.
The logic behind early intervention is that a child’s brain is most flexible and can learn faster during the early years. Research shows that 85% of a child’s brain develops before age three. So, finding and minimizing delays can prevent them from becoming more severe later in life. For example, suppose a two-year-old has a limited vocabulary, which persists until he begins kindergarten. In that case, he will be significantly delayed compared to his classmates. Repairing that delay will frustrate the child and interfere with his ability to make friends and feel confident in his ability to learn. Loving parents do not want their children to struggle academically and be unable to make friends.
Most pediatricians, health departments, or other caregivers for infants and toddlers check a child’s development through parent interviews, physical examinations, and questionnaires. During these assessments, parents should be truthful when stating their baby’s abilities and struggles. While no parent wants to admit a delay, accessing available services to help the child succeed can only happen when medical professionals get accurate information.
If your baby shows delays or has a diagnosis at risk for delays, the doctor may prescribe an early intervention evaluation by a team of child development experts. A remediation plan is developed to help your baby catch up when a delay meets eligibility standards.
My son needed speech therapy services, but those did not begin until he was four years old. His pediatrician knew of his struggles but recommended a wait-and-see approach, which I agreed to. So, I know how it feels to fear something is wrong and worry about whether to wait or take action.
While my son eventually graduated from therapy, I still wish we had gotten services earlier. There were many times when I doubted the decision to wait a while and feared my son would be harmed by not beginning services earlier.
If that’s you, here is one of my favorite verses that strengthens me when doubts and fears creep in:
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Another one that always comforts me is:
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge, his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Take comfort in knowing that nothing about your child’s life is unknown to God. He is aware, and He cares. He chose you as this baby’s parent and, as a result, will always protect, guide, and love you every moment. Seek His counsel on all of your decisions.
If your child struggles to meet developmental milestones, ask God to show you the way forward and comfort you through the process. He has always been there for me, and I trust He’ll faithfully be there for you.
As an early intervention evaluator, I discovered that many children were doing fine, just slower than usual. But it never hurts to get an evaluation and educate yourself on what services are available if needed. Most parents want answers, and knowing there is help out there always brings comfort.
You can contact your state’s early intervention office here. Typically, you can schedule an evaluation without a doctor’s referral or insurance.
Early intervention is a set of services promoting the child’s age-appropriate development and supports families during critical early years. In the U.S., eligible children and families are entitled to these services for by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
If your baby shows delays or has a diagnosis at risk for delays, the doctor may prescribe an early intervention evaluation by a team of child development experts. A remediation plan is developed to help your baby catch up when a delay meets eligibility standards.
You can contact your state’s early intervention office through the CDC website. Typically, you can schedule an evaluation without a doctor’s referral or insurance. If your baby shows delays or risk of delays, the doctor may recommend an expert evaluation.
Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist and early intervention specialist with four decades of experience. An award-winning author, Ginny’s writes to guide the hands that hold the babies. Be on the lookout for her upcoming book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year coming in 2025. She is the mother of two grown sons, married to her college sweetheart, and enjoys hiking and camping in state and national parks, reading, and watching birds. Connect at ginnycruz.com and subscribe to her newsletter for more developmental tips.
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