Definition
Early intervention is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child's 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. Starting with a partnership between parents and professionals at this early stage helps the child, family and community as a whole.
Early intervention services delivered within the context of the family can:
- Improve both developmental, social, and educational gains;
- Reduce the future costs of special education, rehabilitation and health care needs;
- Reduce feelings of isolation, stress and frustration that families may experience;
- Help alleviate and reduce behaviors by using positive behavior strategies and interventions; and
- Help children with disabilities grow up to become productive, independent individuals.
The earlier children with or at risk of disabilities receive assistance and the sooner their families receive support towards their child's development, the farther they will go in life.
Read more about this topic: Early Childhood Intervention
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