Early Intervention

Infants and children with special health care needs who are enrolled in early intervention programs in their communities should have access to dietitians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists with expertise in pediatrics who can address nutrition and feeding issues.

Early intervention services provide community-based interdisciplinary evaluations and therapy services for infants and children and children under age 3 years, with developmental delays. Services are provided in-home, or at a community-based center. Providers include dietitians, occupational therapist, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists. Nutrition outcomes and objectives should be incorporated into the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for those children with feeding and nutrition issues. Information about early intervention in Washington State (also called the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program – ITEIP) can be found at: http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/iteip/.