Research shows that starting intervention services early gives a child the best chance to learn and grow, and early support can reduce the need for services later in life. There is no need to “wait and see.”
Everything you need to know about Summit DD’s Early Intervention services can be found right here. From the basics of Early Intervention to family resources, we’ve got what you need to make the most of your services!
Summit DD EI Services for children 0-36 months
Early Intervention (EI) is a statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. EI services are based on the principle that children learn best through everyday experiences with people they know, making YOU your child’s best teacher. With Summit DD, there’s team of professionals to help you every step of the way with your child’s learning and development.
A Team of Professionals Centered Around You
Once your child is determined eligible for EI a Primary Service Provider (PSP) will be chosen to work with you and your child in your home and community. Depending on your child’s strengths and needs, the PSP may be a Developmental Specialist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Therapist. Your PSP will coach and model strategies during real-life activities that are important for your family to enhance your child’s participation where they live, learn and play. EI services are aimed at supporting your family to make it easier for you to help your child participate in activities that are important to you.
Offered at No Cost to You
Summit DD’s EI services are offered at no cost to eligible families. These services include:
- Developmental screenings and evaluations to determine your child’s strengths and needs
- Answers to your questions about child development
- Education and support to address your families priorities and concerns
- A Primary Service Provider (your dedicated Summit DD contact) to support you with your priorities, needs, and interests
- Services provided in your home or other community places where you spend time as a family
- Connections to community resources and helpful services for families
- A team of professionals to support your child’s development
Remember intervention happens BETWEEN visits through daily practice with your little one.
How Do I Get Started?
Start the Eligibility Process
Eligibility determination for services begins with our partners at Ohio Early Intervention. If you are concerned that your child is not meeting his developmental milestones or have just received a diagnosis of a developmental disability such as Down syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder, or a genetic condition, please contact Ohio Early Intervention at 800-755-4769 to get started.
Already submitted a referral?
Support your child’s development
Introduction to EI Services
Interested to learn more about what early intervention services might look like for your family? Check out this short video from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Caregiver Coaching
Coaching is an important strategy in early intervention. Coaching gives you the knowledge and tools to practice important skills to help set your little one up for success. Learn more about caregiver coaching.
Your EI Team
Meet the team of professionals behind the scenes committed to the success of your little one.
EI Glossary
Swimming in a host of new EI terms and acronyms? No worries. Here’s a handy glossary in one spot.
Family Focus Info Hub
Want some extra EI tips, strategies and family fun to incorporate between visits? Check out our Family Focus Information Hub. Perfect for all ages and abilities – and meant to make learning FUN!
Concerned About Your Child’s Development?
If you are concerned about your child’s development, we offer a free assessment tool to help you know if your child could benefit from EI services. The screening is free and takes the guesswork out of determining if your child is missing developmental milestones.
Parent Rights
Parents of children in EI have many rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and its local partners are responsible for implementing these rights and protections. Many of them apply even if your child is found ineligible
for EI.
