Part C Early Intervention by State

What is the early intervention program?

Early intervention is the free, government-funded program that supports babies and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or disabilities — and the families raising them. It's funded by Part C of the federal IDEA law, which is why you'll see it called "Part C," and it exists in every U.S. state and territory. Each state runs its own version under a local name — Early Steps in Florida, First Steps in Indiana, Birth to Three in Connecticut, Babies Can't Wait in Georgia — but the federal rules underneath are the same.

If you're worried your baby or toddler isn't meeting their developmental milestones — not talking yet, not walking, not responding to their name — this is the program built for exactly that worry.

Who qualifies?

Children under 3 generally qualify one of two ways:

• A measurable delay in one or more areas of development — speech and language, motor skills, thinking and learning, social-emotional skills, or self-help skills like feeding. Each state sets its own threshold for how large the delay must be.
• A diagnosed condition likely to cause a delay — like Down syndrome, hearing or vision loss, or very premature birth — which qualifies a child automatically in most states.

Here's the part parents miss: you don't have to figure out whether your child qualifies. That's what the free evaluation is for. If you're unsure, you ask — asking costs nothing.

What services can my child get?

Depending on your child's needs, the program can provide speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, developmental instruction, hearing and vision services, assistive technology, and family training and counseling — plus a service coordinator who manages all of it for you. Services usually happen where your child already lives and plays: your home or their childcare.

How much does it cost?

The evaluation, the service coordinator, and your child's written plan are free in every state, always. For ongoing services, many states charge nothing; some use a sliding-scale fee — and no state may delay or deny services because a family can't pay. Many parents never call because they assume it will be expensive. It isn't.

How the process works

1. You call your state's program (find yours above). No referral or diagnosis needed — here's exactly what to say.
2. Free evaluation. A team assesses your child's development across five areas, usually at your home.
3. The plan. If your child qualifies, you and the team write an IFSP — the "Part C plan" — listing services, goals, and schedules. Federal law requires steps 1–3 to finish within 45 days of your call.
4. Services begin once you give written consent — usually in your home, built into your daily routines.

What happens when my child turns 3?

Part C ends at age 3, but support doesn't have to. Your team must hold a transition meeting at least 90 days before your child's third birthday to plan the next step — often preschool special education through your school district (an IEP under IDEA Part B), or other community support if your child has caught up.

How do I start?

Choose your state above for your program's phone number and official website, plus a step-by-step guide. Not sure whether to act? Check your child's milestones first — it takes two minutes, and acting early is the one decision parents never regret.