Early Intervention Services Improve Developmental Outcomes For Young Children With Disabilities

Early Intervention supports optimal early childhood development, and supports fami- lies trying to provide for their children’s special needs. For vulnerable infants and toddlers, Early Intervention can be a vital component of optimal social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

This policy brief discusses the contribution of Early Intervention services to the developmental well-being of young, at risk children in Shelby County.

Some highlights of the brief:

• Early Intervention services improve child development outcomes and are cost-effective.
• Approximately 2% of children in Shelby County under three are enrolled in Early Intervention services.
• Recent estimates suggest that our community has a significant need to expand enrollment in services for children with disabilities or developmental delays.