HOW CAN EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES HELP STUDENTS? NAVIGATING SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

BY JENN ADAMS

When I first started teaching in special education, I was unaware of the early intervention services available in my local community or what kinds of services they offered. The support they could provide, not only to the children but to the families as a whole, was not made clear to me either. I'd like to share what information I now know about early intervention services in order to help teachers and families help children that may need support.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE?

Brain development is something that has been studied for many generations. New technology makes it possible to get more insight and knowledge about how the brain is developing. We have also learned what stimulates development. The first two years of life is a critical period of learning tasks. There is a burst of synapse production in the brain. It's the time when the brain is most likely to adapt and learn.

There are many types of support available with early intervention services that can help children with disabilities or delays to catch up in their development. Some of them include:

SPEAKING UP: Through early intervention, children learn how to use language to convey messages, express feelings, and interact with their families and peers.