Preschool Early Intervention Services for Children Age 3 to Kindergarten

This resource is for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia patients to learn more about Early Intervention services.

What is Early Intervention?

Preschool Early intervention (EI) helps to figure out a child’s developmental needs and provides early education and therapy for young children.

What services are offered?

Physical, occupational, speech therapy and special instruction.

How can I find Early Intervention Services?

• Pennsylvania: call CONNECT at 1-800-692-7288 to find an EI provider near you.

• Philadelphia: call Elwyn Early Learning Services at 215-222-8054 if your child is older than 2 years 10 months and has not started kindergarten.

• New Jersey: call 1-888-653-4463 and follow the menu directions based on the county in which the child (or family) lives.

• Delaware: visit the Delaware Department of Education and select the local school district.

How can my child receive early intervention?

Call to get started in Early Intervention.

This first step is a Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (MDE). Learning, language, motor and social-emotional development is assessed during the MDE.  This can occur at your child care location, EI offices, or virtually.  If your child is behind in their skills and needs special education, then services will be started.

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be written together with you.  You can add your child care teacher or others to the IEP team.   The IEP will set the goals and types of services and where the services will be provided.

How long will Early Intervention last?

A new IEP is written every year. There may be new goals and services, or your child can graduate from the services. The spring before your child starts kindergarten, the EI staff will help you plan the move to kindergarten.

What if I disagree with the services that are offered?

• Talk with EI.

• Ask for a new IEP.

• Talk with the social worker or school readiness specialist at your primary care site.

• Call the Parent Education Network (1-800-522-5827) or CONNECT (1-800-692-7288).

• If you have tried to work with your EI providers and service coordinator but your child’s needs are not being met, each state has a dispute resolution process or educational law center that can help you.

Reviewed November 2023, by Marsha Gerdes, PhD; Sherita Williams MS, PHMA