Help for Children 3 and Older

Early Intervention Services assists developmentally delayed children until their third birthday. Families of children 3 and older can receive referrals for assistance from Project Child Find. Call 800-322-8174 for more information. Services for older children are typically provided through the local school district.

When Does A Child Need Early Intervention?

The first three years of life are important, formative years in maximizing a child's future potential. If you suspect that an infant or toddler may be experiencing developmental delays, contact Early Intervention System at 888-653-4463. The call is toll-free for New Jersey residents.

Knowing When to Call

Babies develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. The developmental
milestones listed in our official pamphlet, "Your Child's Development," provide a general idea of the changes to expect, but don’t be alarmed if a child's development takes a slightly different course.

View or Download "A Child's Development"

El Desarrollo de su Niño

More detailed information is available in the guide, New Jersey Birth to Three: Early Learning Standards, published by the New Jersey Council for Young Children.

What do Early Intervention Services Do?

Early intervention services are designed to address a problem or delay in development as early as possible. The services are available for infants and toddlers up to age three. Contracted agencies serve as the Early Intervention Program providers (EIPs) and arrange for early intervention practitioners to address the needs of eligible children and their families. Following the evaluation and assessment, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to describe the services that are needed by the child and family and how they will be implemented. Services are provided by qualified practitioners in natural environments, settings in which children without special needs ordinarily participate and that are most comfortable and convenient for the family, such as the home, a community agency, or a child care facility.

 

Last Reviewed: 5/9/2024