Early Intervention is a statewide service that provides assistance to parents of children under the age of three with developmental delays and/or disabilities. Early Intervention is grounded in the philosophy that young children learn best from familiar people in familiar settings. All services are provided at no cost to families.

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The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities' Early Intervention Team includes:

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• Family Members

• Service Coordinators

• Developmental Specialists

• Occupational Therapists

• Physical Therapists

• Speech and Language Therapists

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Once eligibility is determined, the team, along with the family, will develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) identifying the current supports the family has in place and how Early Intervention will build upon them to enhance the child’s learning and development based on the child's needs. One of the team members will be selected as the Primary Service Provider (PSP). The PSP will work with the child and family in the family home, or another place the family chooses. The PSP will use a coaching model and will suggest strategies for the family's ongoing care to the child. The family is the child's best teacher and the PSP will be there to provide support. The Early Intervention team meets on a weekly basis and the PSP will have access to the entire team if other questions or concerns come up. The family is always welcome to attend the meetings to discuss the child’s ongoing development.

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More information can be found on the Ohio Early Intervention website.

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When receiving EI services, the child is also eligible for other ACBDD services such as Behavior Support and Individual Support Services.