All people who have developmental disabilities are able, with the right job and personalized support, to be productive citizens. Funds are provided by the Department of Social and Health Services and contracted by Pierce County's Department of Human Services. Services allow for any family who has a concern about their infant's or toddler's development to request a screening, an evaluation and assessment to determine if their child is eligible for the program. Eligible children include children from birth through the date of enrollment in public school or the child's third birthday. Services are designed to support and maximize the child's development and enhance parental support of their child and may be provided in a group or in the home.
Staff provide early intervention services in the child's home.
Staff provide early intervention services in the place where the child is cared for, such as a day care center or pre-school. These services are selected in collaboration with parents. They are offered to families at no cost unless state law requires a system of payment by families including a schedule of sliding fees. Services are provided in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, including the home and community settings in which infants and toddlers who are not disabled participate. This includes information and referral services, media activities aimed at promoting public awareness and involvement, and community consultation and organization activities.