Early Intervention Outreach Services

Birth to Age Five

The Early Intervention Outreach (EIO) Program provides specialized services to children ages birth to five who are visually impaired and their families throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties. We encourage these children to explore their environments through play and functional activities, and we empower their families with the knowledge and resources needed to be advocates for their children.

Birth to age three services are typically provided in the home with parents, and age three to five community-based services are provided in preschool or daycare settings. In addition, Overbrook offers pre-school services for ages three to five on its Philadelphia campus.

Early Intervention Services During COVID-19 Infant/Toddler and Preschool

• Connect with your local program by calling your Service Coordinator or Local EI Program Representative
• Call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288
• If you are unable to connect with your EI program, or you have difficulty starting Tele-Intervention services: Email the Office of Child Development and Early Learning for more information or questions.

View the brochure with this information

Connecting and Supporting Families

In addition to in-home and school-based education and therapies, the EIO and Early Childhood programs include outings and activities to help families understand their child’s needs in a community setting. Outings are also designed for families to socialize with each other so that they can form supportive relationships with others in the program. Through a focus on family, social interaction and supplying important resources, EIO supports the needs of the students and their families and sets the foundation for success.

Eligibility, IFSPs, Evaluation and Measuring Achievement

Early Intervention services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through grants to each state from the federal government, children who qualify may receive services free of charge. An evaluation can confirm whether your child is eligible.

All families involved with the Early Intervention Services Program have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that designates goals for the child, outlines strategies to achieve the goals, and tracks ongoing progress. The IFSP, a family driven, state document, is tailored to each family’s needs. An IFSP is both a process and a document and is provided if your child is found eligible for early intervention services.