Early Intervention
OSB provides specialized early intervention and early childhood services for young children who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or have additional disabilities.
Families may receive support through three program options:
Birth to Age Three
Early Intervention Outreach: Home- and community-based services for infants and toddlers and their families.
Ages Three to Five
Campus-Based Early Childhood Program: A specialized preschool experience on OSB’s campus for children with visual impairments and additional disabilities.
Ages Three to Five
Community-Based Vision Services: Specialized vision instruction provided within a child’s existing preschool, day care, home or community setting.
Choose the Service That Fits Your Child
Supporting Children and Their Families
Early Intervention is about supporting the whole family, not just providing services to the child.
OSB professionals work closely with parents and caregivers to help them better understand how their child uses vision and other senses, recognize opportunities for learning throughout the day and use practical strategies that encourage development and independence.
Families are also supported in becoming knowledgeable advocates for their children as they navigate Early Intervention, preschool and future educational services.
Whenever possible, OSB creates opportunities for families to connect with one another through group activities and community experiences. These connections give children opportunities for social interaction while helping parents and caregivers build relationships with other families who may share similar experiences.
Eligibility, Evaluation and the IFSP
Early Intervention services for children from birth through age three are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children who meet eligibility requirements.
Evaluation is an important part of determining the services a child may need. A functional vision evaluation may be used to better understand how a child uses their vision in everyday environments and to help determine appropriate vision-related services and supports.
Eligible children from birth through age three receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
The IFSP is developed in partnership with the family and identifies:
- The child's individual strengths and needs
- Developmental and family-centered goals
- Services and supports the child will receive
- Strategies families and professionals can use to work toward those goals
- How the child's progress will be monitored
Because families know their children best, parents and caregivers play an essential role in developing and carrying out the IFSP.
Start the Conversation
Every child's needs are different. OSB's Early Intervention and Early Childhood team can help families understand available services and determine the next steps based on their child's age, location and eligibility.
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