Early intervention is a term used to describe the provision of services to children who have developmental disabilities or delays. An early intervention specialist usually works with such children from birth to three years old, but he or she can also help older children if necessary. Most professionals in the field hold the belief that children have better developmental outcomes when they receive a diagnosis and services as soon as possible. The specialist is frequently part of a professional team that can offer a wide range of services to children and their families.
Parents and other caregivers who are concerned about their child’s development should speak with their pediatrician, preschool teacher, or other existing childcare provider. Anyone who notices a child who may have a developmental problem can refer him or her to an early intervention specialist for a screening. A child’s social and emotional development, physical delays, cognitive problems, and communication issues are all common issues addressed.
Interviewing children and families during home or office visits is a common part of an early intervention specialist’s job. The specialist can conduct evaluations and assessments during these meetings to determine the presence of developmental disabilities. He or she can then help coordinate services for the child based on the results. These services can include everything from speech therapy to nursing services to transportation to the child’s daycare center. To provide the most appropriate services, the specialist may work closely with some of the child’s family members or teachers.
Education, early childhood education, psychology, social work, and sociology are all common fields of study for early intervention specialists. Some professional positions may necessitate additional training and specialization. Special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, and nursing are examples of such specialties. Certificate programs in even more specialized areas, such as working with autistic children, are frequently available. Specialists with advanced degrees and a lot of hands-on experience may be able to work in program policy or administration in the future.
In the United States, certification and licensing requirements vary greatly from state to state. Some employers may look for candidates who have completed certain training requirements before being hired, while others may require employees to participate in certification or licensing programs as part of their on-the-job training. People interested in learning more about becoming an early intervention specialist — or finding one to work with their family — should contact their local social services offices or other community service agencies.