Birth to 3 Years Old

Early Intervention (EI) is a statewide system providing coordinated services to young children until their third birthday with disabilities and their families. EI is a home- and community-based collaboration where you and your team work together to provide ongoing support for your child. Your EI team will include a service coordinator and a team of providers who work with you in your home or other places where your family spends its time.

With Preble EI, parents and caregivers can depend on our experienced team of professionals to help them every step of the way with their child's learning and development.

Early Intervention Goals:

Our EI Team provides each child and their support network with the resources and support they need. When providing these services, our EI Team has 4 key goals in mind:

  • Enhance development of infants and toddlers with disabilities
  • Reduce educational costs by decreasing need for special education
  • Minimize need for institutionalization and maximize independent living
  • Enrich family's capacity to meet their child's needs

Principles of EI

Information provided by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

Everyday Experiences

Infants and toddlers learn best in everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts.

Families are Key

All families, with essential support and resources, can enhance their child's development.

We Support Families

An EI service provider's main role is to work with and support family members and caregivers.

Individualized

The EI process, from initial contact through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to the preference, learning styles and cultural beliefs of the child and their family.

Functional Outcomes

IFSP outcomes must be functional and based on the needs and priorities of the child and their family.

Families First

The family's priorities, needs and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who represents and receives team and community support.

Researched & Proven

Interventions with the child and their family must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research and relevant laws and regulations.

The Family's Role

  • Recognize the critical role caregivers play in your child's development
  • Set goals based on how your child's progress fits with your family's priorities
  • Learn from the team so you can work with your child during your family's everyday routines between visits from your service provider.

The EI Team's Role

  • Base services on child and family's interests
  • Partner with parents/caregivers
  • Focus on enhancing child and family participation in community experiences
  • Use team's expertise to meet the family's goals for their child's development
  • Help families find resources
  • Answer families' questions

Questions about Eligibility for Early Intervention services?

Contact Help Me Grow at 1-800-755-4769 (GROW) or fill out the referral form at https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/ochids/public/refer