Early Intervention, Part C

Early Intervention, Part C

Early Intervention Part C provides services to children from birth to 3 years who have developmental delays or a high probability of having a developmental delay 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 EI services are structured to identify and meet the needs of young children in five developmental areas: physical development; cognitive development; communication development (language); social or emotional development; and adaptive skills. Thriving PA is working to ensure all children in Pennsylvania with developmental delays are able to access Early Intervention Part C services and strengthen the Early Intervention workforce so all children eligible are able to be served in a timely manner.

Policy Priorities:

  • Advance policies that support infants and toddlers identified with developmental delays and disabilities through Early Intervention Part C 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.

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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 48,199 in FY 22-23, with notable increases in participation rates among Hispanic, Multiracial, and AIAN + NHOPI children
  • Over 70% of children in EI Part C do not participate in early care and education programs.
  • Most children enrolled in Part C EI are two years old and remain in services for less than a year, before transitioning to Part B EI.