Disabilities

Services for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities or Delays in Early Head Start 

Identifying young children with unique developmental needs, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely services, and helping families navigate eligibility guidelines are key ways the Early Head Start program provides inclusive services for children with disabilities and their families.

Significant disabilities in infants and toddlers can lead to developmental delays that increase over time and may interfere with the child’s acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for independence.

How do EHS programs help infants & toddlers with disabilities?

EHS programs provide free, family-centered services beginning as early as the mother’s pregnancy and continuing until the child is age 3. Programs also partner with families to promote the physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. This program provides individualized early intervention services in the child’s natural environment, which includes their childcare setting or home.

What is the screening and support process for infants and toddlers with disabilities enrolled in EHS programs?

All children enrolled in EHS programs receive developmental and sensory screening. Parents of children with suspected delays are referred for evaluation by the local ECI (Part C services) program to provide that service. Infants who are identified as having a disability receive early intervention services as listed in their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Service providers partner with children’s parents and EHS staff to support progress toward IFSP goals. EHS staff support families navigating the Part C process and through the child’s transition to Head Start or another preschool program at age 3.