Services for Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers (continued)

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In a center-based program, children may receive therapy intervention within the classroom or may be pulled out for therapy outside of the classroom. Therapy is also provided within the context of classroom activities (Johnson et al., 1990). For example, occupational therapy goals could be practiced while the child is playing at a sensory table, physically exploring different materials such as sand or rice. Speech therapy could occur during an informal child-adult play interaction.

All children need a chance to achieve basic problem-solving skills, acquire tools for effective communication, develop a capacity to persist at tasks, and acquire a positive attitude about the process of learning. Research indicates that a center-based program is helpful because learning is often maximized when children are interacting with each other (Dunst, Snyder, & Mankinen, 1989).

Services for Children with Developmental Delays

Early interventions services provided for young children with developmental delays include:

1. Early identification, screening, and assessment services
2. Medical, diagnostic, and evaluation services
3. Service coordination
4. Special educational instruction
5. Speech and language pathology and audiology
6. Physical therapy
7. Occupational therapy
8. Psychological services
9. Social work services
10. Counseling
11. Vision services
12. Nursing services
13. Nutrition services
14. Health services
15. Assistive technology devices and services
16. Transportation and related costs
17. Family education programs, support groups, and home visits