Early Intervention

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What is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention is for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a medical diagnosis or developmental delay, and for families who are concerned about a child’s development. Early Intervention is part of the Help Me Grow system of supports. Early Intervention can address all types of concerns, including:

  • Physical development like crawling or walking

  • Speech delays

  • Social interaction like playing with other children 

You know your child best. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you are concerned about your child’s development. If you still have concerns, contact Early Intervention (EI). They can help determine if your child needs services or not. Research shows that starting Early Intervention services early gives a child the best chance to learn and grow.

Children learn best through everyday experiences and routines in places they know. Your Early Intervention services support your child where you live, play, and spend your day. Anyone can refer a child to Early Intervention. Call (216) 930-3322 or (440) 389-3322, or click the button below. 

Early Intervention in Cuyahoga County

After the referral is made, Help Me Grow will:

  • Contact the family
  • Complete an intake assessment and 
  • Connect the family with the Early Intervention Service Coordinator (EISC)

Once your child has been assigned an Early Intervention Service Coordinator, the EISC will:

  • Walk the family through the eligibility process and determine the next steps
  • Learn about your family, daily activities, and your hopes and priorities for your child
45 days
  1. Referral: Anyone who has a concern about a child's development should refer the child to Early Intervention, the earlier the better. 
  2. Eligibility: Information from medical reports, parent interviews, and developmental evaluations and assessments is used to determine whether a child is eligible for Early Intervention. Once your child is found to be eligible, a team of professionals will support you and your family.
  3. The Family-Directed Assessment and Team Meeting identify services that support your family's priorities.
  4. The Individualized Family Service Plan is developed with your family, to support you on your journey to help your child get their best possible start in life. 
  5. Early Intervention services are provided. Service coordinators and other service providers work closely with your family to help build your skills and confidence in supporting your child and to help you navigate the journey. 

The Early Intervention team

Members of the Early Intervention team can include:

  • Your Service Coordinator from Bright Beginnings
  • Occupational Therapist from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Physical Therapist from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Speech/Language Pathologist from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Developmental Specialist from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist funded by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County
  • Registered dietician
  • Licensed Social Worker from Bright Beginnings
  • Vision and hearing specialists
  • Dedicated evaluator
  • Other specialists may be added to the team as needed. 

One of the team members will serve as your Primary Service Provider (PSP). You and your PSP will work together to support your child’s development during everyday activities. Together, the family and Early Intervention team set goals and decide on how to reach them.