Born Too Soon: How Early Intervention Can Give Your Child a Strong Start

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by babies born too soon and the families who care for them.

Having a premature baby can bring many questions. You may spend weeks or months in the NICU wondering what your baby will need after coming home. Even after leaving the hospital, you may wonder, Is my child developing as expected? Should I be concerned? What happens when they start school?

You do not have to figure it all out on your own. Early intervention can give children and families support during the important first years of life.

What Is Early Intervention?

Early intervention provides services and support to young children who have developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical conditions. In Utah, Baby Watch Early Intervention helps eligible babies and young children from birth through age 3 get the support they need to grow and develop. 

Early intervention focuses on helping children build skills in areas such as:

• Communication and language
• Movement and physical skills
• Learning and thinking
• Social and emotional development
• Everyday activities such as eating, playing, and getting dressed

Early intervention is not about labeling a child or predicting what their future will look like. Instead, it gives families information, support, and strategies they can use during everyday activities.

How Do I Ask About Early Intervention?

You do not have to wait for your doctor to refer your child. If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can contact Baby Watch or your local Baby Watch Early Intervention program yourself. A parent or guardian can make a referral and request a FREE evaluation to find out whether their child is eligible for services.

Baby Watch has local early intervention programs throughout Utah. You can find the program that serves your area through the Baby Watch website. You can also call Baby Watch at 801-273-2900 or 800-961-4226 for help finding the right program.

Is Early Intervention Free?

The evaluation is free. If your child qualifies for early intervention and receives services, Utah uses a sliding fee scale based on family income and size. Families who receive Medicaid or CHIP have a $0 family fee. Other families may pay a reduced monthly fee based on their circumstances. Don’t let concerns about cost keep you from asking questions. Start with the free evaluation and find out what your child may qualify for.

Remember: You do not have to be certain that your child has a developmental delay before you ask for help. If you have a concern, it is okay to reach out and ask.

Why Does Prematurity Matter?

Babies who are born very early or very small may have a higher risk for developmental challenges. Some children may need extra help with movement, communication, learning, feeding, behavior, or other skills.

This does not mean that every premature baby will have developmental problems. Many premature children grow and develop well. However, because the first three years are such an important time for development, it can be helpful to know what support is available if your child needs it.

Some Premature Babies Automatically Qualify in Utah

Utah’s Baby Watch Early Intervention program has an Approved Diagnosis List and some medical conditions related to prematurity can make a child automatically eligible for early intervention.

These include:

• Extremely low birth weight: less than 1,000 grams (about 2 pounds, 3 ounces)
• Extremely preterm: born before 28 weeks
• Very low birth weight: less than 1,500 grams (about 3 pounds, 5 ounces) and born very preterm, between 28 and 31 weeks
• Certain NICU or CICU graduates with qualifying medical conditions are automatically eligible until their first birthday.

If your child does not meet an automatic eligibility category but you have concerns about development, you can still make a referral and request a free evaluation.

You Know Your Child Best

Parents often notice things before anyone else does.

Maybe your child is not sitting, crawling, walking, talking, eating, or interacting the way you expected. Maybe your child seems to be having difficulty with skills that other children their age are developing.

It is okay to ask questions.

You do not need to wait until your child is older to bring up a concern. Early intervention is designed to support children and families while children are young and developing rapidly.

What Does Early Intervention Look Like?

Early intervention is not necessarily sitting in a clinic for a weekly therapy appointment.

Utah’s Baby Watch program uses a family coaching model. Services are designed around your child’s needs and your family’s priorities. They may take place in natural environments such as your home or child care setting.

A provider might show you ways to:

• Encourage your baby’s communication during play
• Help your child practice movement during everyday activities
• Support feeding or other daily routines
• Encourage social interaction
• Turn ordinary activities into opportunities for learning

The goal is to help parents feel confident using these strategies throughout the week—not just during a therapy session.

Parents Are Important Partners

You are one of the most important people in your child’s development.

The Utah Parent Center’s Parents as Partners guide can help families understand their role in early intervention and special education. Learning about your rights and your child’s services can help you feel more prepared to participate in decisions about your child’s future.

You don’t have to become an expert overnight. Ask questions, take notes, and speak up when something doesn’t make sense.

How Can Early Intervention Help Later in School?

Early intervention cannot guarantee that a child will have no difficulties in school. Every child develops differently.

What it can do is help families recognize their child’s strengths and needs early and learn ways to support development.

Children may enter preschool or kindergarten with different levels of skill. Information gathered during the early years can also help families and professionals understand what supports may be helpful as a child grows.

When children turn 3, their early intervention services may end, but that does not necessarily mean support ends. If a child continues to have developmental needs, the family can learn about other programs and services that may be available.

Prematurity Resources for Utah Families

If your baby was born very early, very small, or spent time in the NICU, you may have access to more than one type of support.

Utah Baby Watch Early Intervention
Baby Watch is the statewide early intervention program for eligible children from birth through age 3. Parents, guardians, and professionals can make a referral. Families can request a free evaluation if they have concerns about their child’s development.
Baby Watch Early Intervention

University of Utah Neonatal Follow-Up Program
The Neonatal Follow-Up Program provides developmental follow-up for certain babies who spent time in the NICU and are at higher risk for developmental concerns. Children who meet the program’s criteria may be followed for several years, with developmental testing and referrals to additional services when needed. Families who believe their child meets the criteria can ask their NICU or primary care provider about a referral.
University of Utah Neonatal Follow-Up Program

Early Childhood Utah
Early Childhood Utah is a statewide resource finder for families with children from birth through age 8. Families can search for resources based on their child’s age, location, and needs, including early intervention, special needs, child care, health, parenting, and family support.
Early Childhood Utah

March of Dimes NICU Family Support
March of Dimes offers information and support for families during a NICU stay and after bringing a baby home. Resources cover topics such as coping with stress, caring for a premature baby, finding a pediatrician, and continuing medical care after the NICU.
March of Dimes NICU Family Support

211 Utah
If you are not sure where to start or need help finding local services, 211 Utah can connect families with community resources and services throughout the state.
211 Utah Community Resource Search

Utah Parent Center
The Utah Parent Center provides information, education, and support to families of children with disabilities and developmental needs. The Parents as Partners guide is one resource that can help families understand early intervention and their role as a partner in their child’s services.
Utah Parent Center – Early Intervention Resources
Parents as Partners Guide

You Are Not Alone

Having a premature baby can be an emotional and uncertain experience. You may have questions about your child’s development today while also worrying about what the future will bring.

You do not need to have all the answers right now.

Early intervention is about giving children opportunities to build skills and giving parents tools, information, and support. Asking for help does not mean something is wrong with your child. It means you are paying attention and giving your child another opportunity to grow.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, reach out. You are not alone, and you don’t have to navigate the journey by yourself.