Parent Press
Early Intervention
Resources › Education
Early Intervention
Free services and support for children ages birth–3 with developmental delays or disabilities in Utah.
Early intervention is the process of anticipating, identifying, and responding to concerns about a child’s development — to minimize potential adverse effects and maximize healthy development.
While all infants and toddlers learn at their own pace, some may need extra help to develop certain skills. Early intervention services may begin at any time between birth and age three. When early intervention is needed, the earlier it is provided, the better the outcome for the child and family.
Early intervention services for children ages 0–3 in Utah are provided by the Baby Watch Early Intervention Program under the Utah Department of Health, in compliance with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Services Available Through Baby Watch
- Full assessment of a child’s current health and developmental status
- Service coordination among providers, programs, and agencies
- Strategies to build on family concerns, priorities, and resources
- Developmental services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy
Services are provided through the coordinated effort of parents, community agencies, and professionals — at Baby Watch centers, in the home, and in community settings such as child care.
Baby Watch Early Intervention
Baby Watch is Utah’s network of services for children ages birth to three with developmental delays or disabilities. Visit babywatch.utah.gov to find out if your baby needs help and for a list of early intervention providers across the state.
Parent Handbooks
Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
An IFSP is the plan that Early Intervention providers develop with families to guide the delivery of services. It is based on an in-depth assessment of the child’s needs and the concerns of the family. An IFSP contains:
- Goals for the child
- Services the child will receive to help achieve those goals
- How the family, with support from professionals, can help the child reach the goals
Services are usually provided in the child’s natural environment — typically the home, but also child care settings, preschool, or other community settings where children without disabilities would typically be found.
A service coordinator is assigned to assist the child’s family throughout the IFSP process, coordinating across education, health, and human services agencies.
Transitioning to Special Education Preschool
Many children in Early Intervention (EI) will transition to Special Education Preschool at age three. In Utah, Special Education Preschool for eligible children ages 3–5 is provided by local school districts under Part B of IDEA.
At least 90 days before your child’s third birthday, a transition conference will be held with you, your service coordinator, and the local education agency to plan next steps.
Transition Resources
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our team can connect you with a parent consultant in your area who understands exactly what you’re going through.