In Pennsylvania, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), is responsible for Early Intervention (EI) services to children birth to five years of age. Locally, the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit provides EI services for eligible children age three to entrance age for public school. To determine eligibility for services, children are evaluated in the areas of motor development, communication, personal-social development, adaptive/self-help skills and cognitive/thinking/reasoning skills. If a child demonstrates at least a 25% delay in one or more of the above areas, or scores 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on a standardized test, the child would be eligible for Early Intervention services. If a child is eligible for EI services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to define the services and goals that best meet the needs of the child. Services may include Specialized Instruction, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Hearing Support Services and/or Vision Support Services. EI services may be provided in the child’s home, Head Start, preschool or child care center.

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