For Families & Caregivers
OUR APPROACH
Early Intervention for ME sets babies and toddlers in Maine up for better developmental outcomes. We address not only social-emotional and cognitive delays, but all developmental areas in which a young child may be affected.
Empowering
We enlist family and caregivers as central participants in their child’s early intervention plan. Our developmental specialists provide caregivers and families with new strategies to use in daily life with their child to foster skills and growth.
Collaborative
Each child’s early intervention team is exactly that: a team. Together, we collaborate to build competence and confidence with all of the caregivers surrounding a child, including kinship, resource, and foster families.
Proven
Research shows that strengthening early childhood relationships and improving early experiences support a child’s development. During the crucial period from infancy through 36 months, a child can benefit the most from early developmental support, increasing their opportunities for future health, learning, and success.
We want to make it easier for families to support their children.
Early Intervention for ME is a free and voluntary program. We can serve any eligible child in Maine from birth to age three.
We make our program as convenient as possible for busy families. Our teams provide early intervention services at your home, daycare, or in any other setting that is familiar and natural for your child.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Process
If you worry that your baby or young toddler may not be meeting certain developmental milestones, then asking Early Intervention for ME about a free evaluation is never a bad idea. We partner with families and caregivers every step of the way. While every young child’s experience is unique, a typical journey through Early Intervention for ME’s program may look like this:
1
You have questions, or you wonder...
Something about your child’s early learning or growth makes you wonder if they may benefit from developmental support.
Sharing any concerns and observations with the child’s pediatrician is a good place to start, too, although it is not required.
2
We receive a referral.
A referral to Early Intervention for ME may come from your child’s doctor, daycare, or from you, the caregiver.
Referrals typically come directly from families, physicians, social service agencies, childcare, and home health agencies. (To make a referral, call 877-770-8883.)
3
You are paired with an Early Intervention Service Coordinator.
This person will be your guide and key contact person through the whole early intervention process. This person also coordinates and communicates with every therapist or other professional who may become part of your early intervention team.
4
We offer a free evaluation.
We talk with you and learn more about your child to assess their eligibility for early intervention services. Our evaluation is free of charge and looks at basic developmental skills. How does your child eat, sleep, move, and communicate?
5
Together, we make a plan.
If your child is eligible for services, an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) will be developed for your child, based on your family’s daily activities and priorities.
6
Services begin!
Your child’s early intervention team might include experts, such as an occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, and educator. It depends on what your child needs. The early intervention team will provide the tools you need to help your child succeed at home, in daycare, and in the community.
7
We meet regularly.
Regular visits are opportunities to ask questions and observe your child while meeting your scheduling needs. These visits may happen in your home or any location that feels natural and familiar to your child. If appropriate, a visit may also happen over Zoom.
8
We make adjustments as we go.
Your child’s early intervention individualized family service plan (IFSP) will be reviewed every six months and adjusted as needed. And as your child’s developmental needs evolve, additional experts may be brought onto the team.
9
We look ahead.
Early Intervention for ME provides services for babies and young toddlers up to age 3. When your child approaches their third birthday, we will help with transition planning.
Visit Our Resources page for even more information.
If you have questions or wonder about your child's early development, please reach out!
To ask questions or make a referral, please call 877-770-8883.
Regional Sites
State Office
111 Sewell Street
146 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone Number
877-770-8883