What Is Early Intervention in Special Education?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Aug 12, 2024
More than 770,000 children received early intervention services in 2021, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Across the country, early intervention programs provide free or low-cost services to eligible children and families. Early intervention services play a vital role in child development.
Professionals who specialize in early intervention and special education evaluate children to understand their unique needs, design individualized education plans, and track children’s progress. Working in early intervention requires specialized training and an understanding of the early intervention process.
Early Intervention in Special Education Definition
The term “early intervention” refers to the services that support young children with developmental delays and disabilities, particularly from birth through age 3. Educators who focus on early childhood special education provide some of these early intervention services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, ensures that children receive early intervention and special education services. IDEA also categorizes the major developmental areas and sets guidelines on atypical development that qualifies children for early intervention services.
Special education teachers who work in early intervention know how to identify the learning needs of children; how to design differentiated instruction plans; and how to build a collaborative, supportive learning environment. They also support learners through assistive technology.
How Does Early Intervention Work?
The early intervention process varies depending on the child’s age and needs. Parents typically start the intervention process by reaching out to the child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician may suggest a developmental screening or assessment to identify developmental delays. Observation, parent reports, and specialist assessments help determine the next step.
After diagnosing a developmental delay or disability, the early intervention team will determine the child’s eligibility for services. “The earlier developmental delays are detected and intervention begins, the greater the chance a young child has of achieving his or her best potential,” a Georgia pediatrician explained to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Early intervention services can include the following:
- Therapy: Speech therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy can help children build their cognitive and physical abilities, including behavioral and emotional regulation.
- Medical Care: Children with complex medical needs can access medical care through early intervention services.
- Family Education: Parents can participate in training services that educate them on developmental issues, parenting strategies, and special education resources.
At age 3, children in early intervention programs transition to special education programs run by their public school districts. Early intervention specialists prepare a transition plan to support children as they move into early childhood special education programs for children between ages 3 and 5. These programs also screen children for developmental delays or disabilities.
As young children learn and develop, their needs evolve. Early childhood special educators work with children, families, and specialists to develop an individualized education program (IEP) that states the services and supports the child will receive. Special educators track progress with the IEP and create engaging classrooms for learners with diverse needs.
Benefits of Early Intervention in Special Education
Early intervention offers significant benefits for children and families. By identifying developmental delays early, families can ensure that their children receive the support and services they need to reach their full potential.
Identifies Developmental Delays
Children cross many developmental milestones in their early years, particularly from birth through age 3. Early intervention helps families and specialists identify developmental issues sooner, supporting children who need support to reach cognitive, physical, language, and social milestones.
The evaluation process diagnoses developmental delays, disorders, and disabilities. Working with developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and other medical professionals gives families a clearer picture of their child’s needs. This information helps families connect with support services earlier.
Supports Families
By participating in early intervention services, families receive education and support, including strategies for developing social and emotional skills. The support of early intervention services also empowers families to meet their child’s needs.
Promotes Development and Learning
Acting early can make a significant difference in addressing developmental delays. Children develop their behavioral skills while learning positive ways to communicate.
“Acting early can help a child communicate, play, and learn from the world now and for the future,” a Pennsylvania clinical psychologist told the CDC. “It can also prevent frustration—so common in children with communication difficulties—from turning into more difficult behaviors.”
Improves Child Outcomes
Research demonstrates that early intervention improves child outcomes. By connecting children and their families with therapy services, educational resources, and other early intervention services, children benefit from better outcomes.
Similarly, early intervention prepares children for school readiness. By developing language, social and emotional, and communication skills in early childhood special education programs, children enter school with the skills they need to succeed.
Study Special Education at Wilson College Online
With hundreds of thousands of children using early intervention programs, the need for trained special education teachers remains high. Wilson College Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education that prepares experienced special education professionals for careers in early intervention and early childhood special education.
During the online bachelor’s program, special education majors complete coursework in child development, early childhood cognition, early intervention. Majors evaluate child development theories and learn early intervention assessment and instruction strategies. Graduates from the program enter the education field with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive, empowering learning environments.
Contact Wilson College Online today to learn more about the online special education program.
Recommended Readings
How to Get a Special Education Certification
Tips for Building an Engaging Special Education Classroom
What Are the Benefits of Collaboration in Special Education?
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, What Is ‘Early Intervention’?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Why Act Early If You’re Concerned About Development?
