Important Timing

The life of a child is full of opportunities for learning, but from decades of child development research, we know that learning is most rapid in the preschool years. Every day, children encounter dozens of situation-specific experiences that involve interaction with people and the physical environment. It is through these experiences that children learn. However, physical limitations, visual impairments, language disorders, and illnesses change both the quality and quantity of learning opportunities for many children. With fewer meaningful interactions with people and things in our world, children with disabilities, or those at risk for disabilities, fall behind their peers in all developmental areas.

Therefore, the timing of intervention becomes particularly important when a child runs the risk of missing an opportunity to learn during the first few years of his or her life.

What is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention Programs are comprehensive, structured educational and therapeutic programs that are usually run by organizations like P.G. Chambers School. They are staffed by a team of professionals including, but not limited to, special educators, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and social workers who are specifically trained to work with young children and their families.

Although services may vary, most Early Intervention Programs focus on the child and the family together and begin by doing a comprehensive assessment of the child's development, which then provides the starting point for services that address each child's particular needs.

Families are key to the success of any early intervention program and are, therefore, actively involved in learning and carrying out the techniques learned during actual intervention sessions.

Is Early Intervention Really Effective?

After nearly 50 years of research, in addition to our own 30-plus years of experience with our Early Intervention Program, we know that early intervention improves the developmental and educational skills of children, strengthens the functioning of the family, and reaps considerable long-term benefits for our society.

The most effective programs, however, are those that:

• Intervene early in the child's life,
• Actively involve parents and other family members,
• Provide a structured and consistent child-centered, transdisciplinary program, and
• Involve typically developing children as much as possible.

Taking the First Step

If you think your child's speech, learning, or physical development is delayed, or if your child is at risk for a developmental delay because of prematurity, low birth weight or other condition, consult with your pediatrician or call your local Early Intervention Program directly.

For More Information

Contact Early Intervention Services Director Valerie Bialous at 973-829-8484.