Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention Services (EIS) is rooted in the values of inclusion and full participation of children and families in the community. EIS offers a fully integrated system of developmental, educational and behavioral services designed to assist children with autism, physical and intellectual disabilities, and developmental and behavioral challenges.
All Early Intervention Services follow evidence-based practices, and our coaches and therapists are trained in the Competent Learner Model, a curriculum endorsed by the PA Department of Education for young children with autism and other developmental delays.
Early Intervention Services include the following therapies:
- Behavioral intervention
- Special instruction
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech and language therapy
Behavioral Intervention
Behavioral intervention is designed for children with intellectual disabilities or autism who also have behaviors that may be disruptive. This therapy serves children of three years of age and older and may even serve adults, if requested.
Behavioral intervention also provides consultation and education services to any licensed childcare or preschool education facility in Dauphin County. Consultation and education services include:
- Short- and long-term staff training
- Teacher certification curricula
- Individual programming for children with behavior problems
- Parent training for teen parents enrolled in the Tri-Community Action Program
Special Instruction
Through play, infants, toddlers and young children explore their world. Play at each of these age levels differs greatly, but one common theme remains: learning through exploration. The staff of the special instruction department plays with children to promote the development of cognitive, social and emotional skills. With exposure to various toys and activities, children have the opportunity to learn how to interact and explore their world. These skills can help children reach their full potential.
Skills from other areas of development are often incorporated in special instruction sessions. For example, gross motor skills may be needed to get a desired toy or caregiver. Fine motor skills are typically required to play appropriately with a toy. Speech and language skills are used to interact with others during play and to communicate wants and needs.
Behavioral challenges are addressed by staff who have received training on the values and practices of Positive Behavior Supports, a research-based approach for developing positive social and behavioral skills.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists address hand-eye coordination skills, play skills and self-care adaptive skills, such as feeding, dressing and processing sensory information, including a tolerance for touch and movement. The child’s occupational therapist assists the family to address these areas through family outings and activities.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with children to develop their gross motor skills and achieve developmental milestones. Gross motor skills involve coordinated movement of large muscle groups to achieve functional movement. Developmental milestones include lifting the chest off the ground while lying on the stomach, rolling over, sitting, crawling on hands and knees, walking, etc.
The therapist may use a variety of equipment, such as balls, bolsters, walkers, etc., or may use their hands to support children to increase their ability to move. The physical therapist may also evaluate a child’s need to assistive devices, such as a walker, crutches, braces, etc., and makes appropriate recommendations. Once therapy begins, the therapist will work with the child’s parents or caregiver on ways to help the child improve their ability to move.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapists are concerned with how children understand their world and learn to interact and communicate with others. They may assess a variety of areas, such as expressive communication (gestures, sounds, words, sentences, etc.), receptive language (understanding what is said), articulation (sound production), voice (pitch, quality), and fluency (flow of words). They may also assess eating and drinking skills.
Once therapy has begun, the therapist works with the parents or caregiver to promote the development of communication and feeding skills.
Birth to Three
Birth to Three is an early intervention service offered in Connecticut. Children ages birth to three receive direct services and supports that are built on their strengths. Services may include special education and occupational, speech and physical therapy.
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