Early intervention in Maryland

What early intervention is

Early intervention is a group of supports and services designed for the youngest children, from birth up to their third birthday, who have a developmental delay or a diagnosed condition that is likely to lead to one. It exists because the first three years are a season of remarkable growth, and small, well-timed help during this window can make a lasting difference for a child and for the whole family.

These services come from a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. The part that covers infants and toddlers is IDEA Part C. Like many federal programs, it is federally authorized but run by each state. Federal law sets the framework, and each state builds its own early intervention program within it, choosing how families connect with services in their area. That is why the shape of the system looks similar across the country, while the specific agency, local contacts, and day-to-day details are set here in Maryland.

Early intervention is not about labeling a child. It is about meeting a young child where they are and giving families real, practical tools to help them thrive.

Common early intervention services

One of the most reassuring things about early intervention is that it is built around your individual child and family, not a one-size-fits-all package. After an evaluation, a team helps match services to what your child actually needs. Depending on that plan, services can commonly include:

• Developmental services that support skills like play, learning, thinking, and social-emotional growth.
• Physical therapy to help with movement, strength, balance, and motor skills.
• Occupational therapy to support fine motor skills, feeding, sensory needs, and everyday activities.
• Speech and language therapy to encourage communication, understanding, and early language.
• Family coaching and training that gives parents and caregivers practical strategies to use during ordinary daily routines.
• Service coordination to help your family understand the process and connect the pieces.

Because early intervention centers the family, much of the work happens in the places where your child already lives and plays, and it is designed to fit into everyday moments like mealtimes, bath time, and play. The exact services available, and any specifics, are determined by your state's program and your child's evaluation.

How referral and evaluation generally work

The process is meant to be approachable, and you do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. In general terms, it tends to follow these steps:

1. A referral is made. Someone contacts the early intervention program on the child's behalf. This can be a parent, a pediatrician, a nurse, or a child care provider.
2. The family is contacted. The program reaches out to explain the process, answer questions, and, with your permission, set up next steps.
3. An evaluation and assessment take place. A team looks at how your child is developing across areas such as movement, communication, learning, social-emotional skills, and self-care to see whether your child is eligible.
4. Eligibility is determined. If your child qualifies, you move forward together into planning services. If not, the team can still point you toward other helpful resources.
5. A plan is created. You and the team write a plan, called an IFSP, that spells out the services your child and family will receive.

What an IFSP is

An IFSP is an Individualized Family Service Plan. It is the written plan you and the early intervention team build together once your child is found eligible. It describes your child's current strengths and needs, the outcomes your family hopes to reach, and the specific services that will be provided, including how often and where they will happen.

The word family in that name matters. Early intervention recognizes that a young child grows best with a supported family around them, so the plan reflects your priorities and everyday life, not just clinical goals. The IFSP is a living document that is reviewed and updated as your child grows and changes.

Families can self-refer

You do not have to wait for a professional to notice a concern or hand you a form. Parents can refer their own child. If something about your baby or toddler's development is on your mind, whether it is how they are moving, communicating, playing, learning, or connecting with you, that is reason enough to ask for an evaluation.

Trust what you see every day. You know your child better than anyone, and asking a question is never an overreaction. An evaluation is a way to get answers, and it costs you nothing to reach out and start the conversation.

Reaching out for the first time can feel like a big step, especially when you are already carrying a lot. Take it one call at a time. Getting your child into the process is the meaningful first move, and there are people whose whole job is to help you through what comes next.