Early Intervention Services
Our Early Intervention program empowers families and dramatically improves outcomes for children ages 0-3 who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays. Our services are provided at the child’s home or childcare site, at no direct cost to the family.
Early Intervention Services in Massachusetts
We provide therapeutic interventions that are embedded in families’ daily routines and are respectful of each family’s culture and learning style. We have bilingual and bicultural staff to support the children and families within our community.
Our Early Intervention Program serves two catchment areas in Massachusetts at no direct cost to families.
Providing Early Intervention Services for more than 45 years to: Andover, North Andover, Lawrence and Methuen.
Effective July 1, 2024, we will provide early intervention services to children and families in the following communities:
Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford.
Candidates for Early Intervention Services
Children that have not yet met age-appropriate milestones
Children diagnosed with certain conditions
Children with medical or social histories that may put them at risk for developmental delays
EI Statistics
Children who live below poverty are already 18 months behind what is average for their age group by the age of 4.
Compared to other EI programs across the State, Children enrolled in our early intervention program are 3x more likely to meet their developmental goals before the age 3.
Our Early Intervention program serves 95% of children from Greater Lawrence referred for EI services.
Services Provided
Developmental screening and evaluations
Home visiting services by developmental specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, music therapists, social workers, mental health clinicians, nurses and a registered nutritionist.
Service coordination including transition support to services after age three
Education and support to parents, caregivers, and childcare providers
Referrals to additional specialty services
Clinical Coordination with healthcare providers
Workshops, Groups and Classes
Training and education for childcare providers and families
Toddler and parent/child groups
Drop-off Early Intervention Toddler Playgroups
Hippotherapy
Specialized Feeding Groups
Infant Massage Classes
Music Therapy
Our EI Professionals
Our highly specialized and experienced staff works in multidisciplinary teams for both evaluation and therapeutic services.
Our team is dedicated to working with young children help them reach their developmental milestones.
Developmental and Special Educators
Speech Language Pathologists
Registered Nurses
Social Workers
Multilingual Staff
Physical and Occupational Therapists
Mental Health Clinicians
Nutritionist
Music Therapist
Evaluation Process
Children can be referred to Early Intervention by parents, pediatricians, caregivers, teachers, friends or other professionals. Families may also contact our program directly. An evaluation with our team will be scheduled to determine a child’s eligibility. Using a holistic family-centered approach, our team will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on the needs of your child. The process is collaborative, individualized and reflects the child’s and families’ priorities, learning styles, culture, and community.
Regional Consultation Program (RCP)
We also offer a support service to qualifying families through our Regional Consultation Program. This program offers services such as assistance in identifying helpful tools and resources, finding other appropriate programs, acquiring medical and assistive equipment, and providing referral information.