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Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP)
Early Intervention Birth To ThreeWhat is Early Intervention?Early intervention provides services for infants and toddlers, birth to three, who have disabilities and/or developmental delays. Eligible infants and toddlers and their families in Washington State are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. Why does "Early" Matter? Research on early development shows that "windows for learning begins at birth." The clear link between early brain activity and brain development provides the building blocks for life-long learning and function - including entering school ready to learn and families learning of local resources for current and future needs. When there is a diagnosis of a disability or developmental concern at birth, or soon thereafter, early intervention results in greater developmental gains for a child. A - Early intervention enhances a child's development. After nearly 50 years of research, early intervention has demonstrated results in children needing fewer special education and other services later in life, and, in some cases, being indistinguishable from classmates without disabilities. B - Families benefit too! Early intervention helps reduce the additional stresses and frustrations families of infants and toddlers with disabilities experience, enhancing both the child and the family. Supported families need less out-of-home placement. Statistics demonstrate less abuse and neglect occurs for children receiving early intervention services. C - It is cost effective. Data shows long-term cost savings from early intervention programs. The cost is less when intervention is earlier, preventing developmental problems that would have required special services later in life. |
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Modified: May 5, 2009. For more information on Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program, contact: (360)725-3516, For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information Webpage. Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster |
