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Early Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays

What Is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention in Pennsylvania is services and supports designed to help families with young children with developmental delays. Early Intervention builds upon the natural learning that occurs in the child's early years. It is a process that promotes collaboration among parents, service providers, and others significantly involved with your child. With your help, Early Intervention services and supports can enhance your child's development by:

  • answering your questions about your child's development;
  • enhancing your capacity to meet the developmental needs of your child throughout daily routines at home and in the community;
  • enhancing your child's developmental and educational growth;
  • supporting your child with developmental delays to become more independent;
  • preventing the need for more and costly educational intervention in the future; and
  • supporting communities to become more aware of the gifts and abilities of all of its children.

In Bucks County Infant Toddler Early Intervention for children birth to 3 years old is administered through the Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation. Preschool Early Intervention for children three to five years old is provided through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit # 22, Early Childhood Services Program.

Laws & Regulations

The Early Intervention system of services is provided under federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part C of the IDEA provides the federal mandate for services for young children with special needs, from birth to three years of age. Part B of the IDEA is the federal mandate for students with special needs, ages 3 to 21 years.

State and Local Interagency Coordinating Councils 

The Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) is a 15-member advisory board of parents, Department of Education, Public Welfare, and Health professionals, and others who are appointed by the governor. The SICC advises the departments on the Pennsylvania Early Intervention System.
The Bucks County Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) is a group of parents and professionals who work together to promote community linkages between existing resources for children with special needs and their families. The LICC strives to provide parent and professional training, enhance communication and to ensure community awareness to create the best possible early intervention system for the children and families of Bucks County.
To find out more about the Bucks County LICC you can go to http://www3.bucksiu.org and look under Educational Services, Early Childhood Services or contact your Early Intervention Service Coordinator. You can learn more about the BCICC current activities by contacting the voicemail box at 1-800-770-4822, ext. 2140.