Closing the Early Intervention Gap

Every child develops at their own pace. However, if you notice that your child isn't reaching certain developmental milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you simply feel that "something isn't right," it's a good idea to seek guidance. Trusting your instinct as a parent or caregiver can be the first step in identifying a need for support.

No. If you have concerns about your child's development, you can act right away. As a first step, we invite you to explore our Developmental Milestones resource, where you'll find information about the skills generally expected at your child's age. This guide can help you identify possible warning signs and decide whether a developmental screening or a professional consultation is recommended.

Start by talking with your child's pediatrician and sharing your concerns. You can also complete a developmental screening available on our website. We also invite you to explore our Resource Hub, where you'll find trustworthy information, resources, and guidance on the next steps you can take.

A developmental screening is a screening tool that helps identify whether a child could benefit from a more complete evaluation. It doesn't provide a diagnosis, but it does allow possible delays or differences in development to be detected early so action can be taken in time.

A result indicating possible delays does not mean your child has a diagnosis. It simply suggests that a more complete evaluation would be recommended to better understand their strengths and needs and determine whether additional supports are required.

Some children reach developmental milestones a little later than others. However, waiting can delay access to supports that could make an important difference. Early intervention takes advantage of the first years of life, when the brain has the greatest capacity to learn and develop.

No. Many guidance services, family education, and support programs can begin before a formal diagnosis is in place. At Family Support Coalition, our programs are available to all families, regardless of whether the child has a diagnosis or not.

Early intervention brings together services and supports aimed at young children with developmental delays or at risk of them. Its goal is to promote the child's development and give families the tools they need to support learning and participation in everyday activities.

Public early intervention programs generally serve children from birth to age 3. However, many support services, family education, and follow-up continue until age 5 or 6, and sometimes beyond, depending on each child's and family's needs.

We are here to walk with you from the very first moment. We can guide you on child development, offer screening tools, help you identify resources, and support you in making informed decisions about your child's wellbeing and development.

That's excellent news, too. A screening can give you peace of mind and serve as a reference point for continuing to observe your child's development. It's always better to confirm that everything is on track than to miss the opportunity to intervene when it's truly needed.

No. Parents and caregivers are usually the first people to notice small changes or differences in their children's development. Seeking guidance doesn't mean assuming there's a problem — it means making sure your child has access to every opportunity to reach their full potential. When in doubt, acting early is always a good decision.

You don't have to wait to start supporting your child's development. Talking, reading, playing, following their interests, and creating opportunities to interact during everyday activities are all strategies that support learning. You can also access our resources, guides, and programs to start strengthening your skills as a parent from home.

If your concerns persist, seek a second opinion or request a developmental evaluation. You know your child better than anyone, and your observations are an important part of the process. Seeking an evaluation doesn't mean there's a problem — it means you want to make sure your child receives the right support if they need it.