Early Intervention, Part C

Early Intervention, Part C

Infant and Toddler Early Intervention (also known as Part C Early Intervention) provides services to children from birth until their third birthday who have developmental delays or a high probability of having a developmental delay. Infant and Toddler Early Intervention helps to improve outcomes that are critical to a family’s ability to support their child’s health, optimal development, educational success, and lifelong well-being.

Infant and Toddler Early Intervention services are structured to identify and meet the needs of young children in five developmental areas:  

  • Physical development (ability to move, hear, and see)
  • Cognitive development (ability to think and learn) 
  • Communication development (ability to talk, understand and express needs)  
  • Social or emotional development (ability to relate to others) 
  • Adaptive skills (ability to eat, dress, and take care of oneself) 

Thriving PA is working through its Advocacy Agenda to ensure all children in Pennsylvania with developmental delays are able to access quality, timely Infant and Toddler Early Intervention services through a strong and supported workforce.  

Policy Priorities:

  • Advance policies that support infants and toddlers identified with developmental delays and disabilities through Infant and Toddler Early Intervention by:
    • Strengthening support for educate, outreach, and participation for all infants and toddlers eligible for services;
    • Ensuring services offer the quality needed to make a difference, including a robust workforce;
    • Achieving equitable access in receiving services by increasing referrals, enrollment, and support for families of color and families who speak a language other than English;
    • Addressing mental health needs of infants and toddlers; and
    • Partnering with Medicaid to ensure all available funding streams are being utilized to support Early Intervention services.

Stay up-to-date about our Early Intervention work, and sign up for our email updates!

For information on and referrals to Infant and Toddler Early Intervention, please visit the Pennsylvania’ Department of Education’s Early Intervention site.  

Fast Facts

  • Medicaid covers roughly 50% of all Part C EI services in Pennsylvania.
  • The EI Part C population grew from 46,254 in FY 21-22 to 49,263 in FY 23-24, with notable increases in participation rates among Hispanic, Multiracial, and AIAN + NHOPI children.
  • Children who receive EI Part C services demonstrate significant developmental progress across cognitive, motor, adaptive, communication, and social-emotional domains.
  • EI Part C services often include coaching for families, which enhances children’s progress by promoting developmental practices in everyday family routines.