Early Intervention in Massachusetts
Early Intervention (EI) in Massachusetts is a program designed to support children from birth to three years old who are experiencing developmental delays or are at risk of such delays. This program plays a crucial role in helping infants and toddlers develop important skills and in empowering families to support their child’s growth.
EI services focus on enhancing the child’s development through individualized activities that fit naturally into their everyday life. The goal is to support children in three key areas:
Developing positive social-emotional skills (such as building relationships)
Gaining knowledge and skills (learning)
Using appropriate behaviors to meet their needs (developing independence)
Who is Eligible?
Any Massachusetts family with a child under the age of three may be eligible for Early Intervention services if the child:
Is not meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones
Has been diagnosed with certain conditions
Has a medical or social history that could put them at risk for developmental delays
What Do Services Look Like?
Early Intervention (EI) services are designed to integrate seamlessly into a family’s daily routines, making support more natural and accessible. From the initial contact with EI through the transition out of the program, the process is collaborative, tailored to the unique priorities, and responsive to the family's needs.
EI visits focus on everyday activities such as mealtimes, bath time, or outings, and the specialist works alongside the family to identify ways to support the child's development. Together, the family and specialist create strategies that align with the goals set in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
The role of the specialist is to empower parents and caregivers, acknowledging that they play a central role in the child’s progress. By using existing routines, developmental strategies are incorporated naturally into daily life, promoting continuous learning and growth.
The approach used by Massachusetts EI is based on the principles of Parents Interacting with Infants (PIWI). This method encourages parents and caregivers to feel confident and positive about their interactions with their children. Ultimately, the goal is to help children and families be successful in all aspects of life.
Is There a Cost?
There are no out-of-pocket costs for Early Intervention services in Massachusetts. Additionally, specialty services are available for children enrolled in EI who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), blindness or vision loss, deafness or hearing impairments, or who have complex medical needs.
Specialized Autism Services
For children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is available. The Department of Public Health contracts with 22 Specialty Service Provider agencies to offer these services, which focus on building essential skills in language, social interaction, and play. Families work with a team of specialists who provide home-based support and collaborate with the family to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to the child's needs.
Why Early Intervention is Important
Early Intervention (EI) services are crucial because the first three years of life are a period of rapid growth and brain development. During this time, children are especially receptive to learning new skills and overcoming challenges. Early support can have a profound impact on a child’s developmental trajectory, setting the foundation for long-term success in areas like communication, social-emotional skills, and independence.
For children experiencing developmental delays or those at risk, EI services provide specialized, individualized support that addresses specific needs early on. These services can help children reach developmental milestones and build essential skills, reducing the need for more intensive interventions later in life.
Additionally, EI empowers families by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to support their child’s development. Through collaboration with specialists, families learn strategies to enhance learning in everyday activities, building confidence and fostering stronger relationships with their children. By acting early, families can help their children unlock their potential and thrive.
How to Access Early Intervention Services in MA
Accessing Early Intervention (EI) services in Massachusetts is a simple process. To get started, families can search by city or town to find their local Early Intervention Service (EIS) program. Once you’ve identified the program that serves your area, you can contact them directly to refer a child for services. The EI team will guide you through the next steps, including setting up an evaluation to determine eligibility and discussing how EI can best support your family.