Early Intervention

Our Early Intervention services offer a comprehensive, research-based program for children from birth to three years of age who are diagnosed with a developmental delay or who may be considered at risk of delay.

The Easterseals Hawaii Early Intervention program uses a routine-based and family-centered services model to structure and guide our services and overall philosophy. This means that we believe parents and families are the most essential component of a child’s life and development. Therefore, we work alongside the family to provide individualized services to our participants as a team.

Our program is funded by the State of Hawaii, Department of Health – Early Intervention Section.

What is the Goal of Early Intervention?

We aspire to support parents and families in the development of a rich, nurturing environment as well as the development of interpersonal relationships between the child and parent/caregiver. Our goal here at Easterseals Hawaii is to provide each child the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, whatever that may look like.

Program Components

Our program is individualized to meet the unique needs of each child and family using advanced research and evidence-based developmental practices to provide a high-quality level of intervention.

Types of Services
Based on individual assessments, children enrolled in the program may be eligible for services including:

Development of an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) of services by professionals who work with parents to meet their child’s developmental goals
Parent coaching and family support from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, special educators and social workers
Developmental evaluations
Resources, information and referral services
Prior to age three, assistance to families in transition planning for their child into appropriate community settings, such as Department of Education special education, Head Start or preschool

Developmental assessments and monitoring are ongoing throughout the program. The frequency and types of services a child receives are based on the child’s and family’s needs.