IDEA Part C — Early Intervention (EI)

Offered by US Department of Education — Office of Special Education Programs

Federal-state early-intervention services for eligible children from birth through age two with developmental delays or disabilities, coordinated through each state or territory.

IDEA Part C supports state and territory early-intervention systems for eligible infants and toddlers from birth through age two and their families. Eligibility may be based on a developmental delay in cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive development, or on a diagnosed condition likely to result in developmental delay. Each state sets detailed eligibility rules and decides which services are available. Families can contact their state or territory program directly and ask for an evaluation; a doctor's referral is not required. With parental consent, federal rules generally require evaluation, initial assessments, and the first Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting within 45 days of referral, with limited documented exceptions. Services are based on the child and family's assessed needs and may include family support, special instruction, speech-language, occupational, or physical therapy. Programs are publicly funded, but fees can vary by state; inability to pay cannot be used to delay or deny Part C services. Use the current CDC state directory to find the correct local contact and confirm eligibility, costs, and next steps.

Eligibility

For children under age three: a state evaluation must find a developmental delay under that state's criteria, or the child must have a diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of developmental delay. State definitions vary. A doctor's referral is not required, and referral does not guarantee eligibility.

How to apply

Choose your state or territory in the CDC directory, contact the listed early-intervention program, and request an evaluation. The program obtains parental consent, evaluates the child, and—if eligible—works with the family on an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The federal post-referral timeline is generally 45 days for evaluation, assessment, and the first IFSP meeting, subject to documented exceptions.

At a glance

Funding type: government funded
Services: Early Intervention, Developmental Evaluation, Family Support, Special Education, Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
Cost notes: Publicly funded. Depending on state policy, eligible services may be free or offered at reduced cost and some services may use a family payment or insurance system. Under federal rules, inability to pay cannot delay or deny Part C services. Ask the state program for its written fee policy.

Source and verification

Last source check: August 6, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

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