Education, Early Intervention in

Early intervention, according to the United States Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), is the process for identifying and providing services to infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability and to their families. According to this legislation, [Page 338]children between the ages of birth and 3 years old who have a developmental delay or disability, or a condition with a high probability of delay, are eligible for early intervention services. Deaf infants and toddlers are eligible for early intervention services because they are considered to have a “condition” that has a high probability for delay if appropriate services are not provided.