Pennsylvania Early Intervention (Birth to Age 3)

Frequently Asked Questions for Families

What is Early Intervention (EI)?

Pennsylvania Early Intervention is a family-centered program designed to support infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in a child's natural environment, such as the home, daycare, or community, and focus on helping families support their child's development during everyday routines and activities.

The goal of Early Intervention is not only to help children learn new skills, but also to empower caregivers with strategies they can use throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my child should be evaluated?

You may want to consider an evaluation if your child:

• Is not meeting developmental milestones

• Uses fewer words than expected for their age

• Has difficulty understanding language

• Has feeding, motor, or sensory concerns

• Has difficulty interacting with others

• Has a diagnosed medical condition that may impact development

If you have concerns, trust your instincts. An evaluation can help determine whether additional support may be beneficial.

2. Does my child need a diagnosis to qualify?

No. Children may qualify for Early Intervention based on developmental delays, even if they do not have a medical diagnosis.

3. How much does Early Intervention cost?

Pennsylvania Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families.

4. Where do services take place?

Services are provided in your child's natural environment, which may include:

• Your home

• Daycare or preschool

• A grandparent's home

• Community settings such as parks, libraries, or playgroups

Children learn best where they naturally spend their time.

5. What services are available through Early Intervention?

Depending on your child's needs, services may include:

• Speech Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Special Instruction

• Nutrition Services

• Hearing or Vision Support Services

  
  

6. How often will my child receive services?

Service frequency is individualized based on your child's strengths, needs, and family priorities. Some children receive services weekly, while others may be seen more or less frequently.

7. Will the therapist just work with my child?

No. Pennsylvania Early Intervention uses a caregiver coaching model, which means therapists partner with caregivers to support learning throughout everyday routines.

While therapists interact directly with children during visits, the primary focus is helping caregivers learn strategies they can use during meals, playtime, bath time, story time, outings, and other daily activities.

Research shows that children make the most progress when learning opportunities occur throughout the week with the people who know and love them best.

8. What does a typical Early Intervention visit look like?

Every Early Intervention visit looks a little different because every child and family is unique!

Typically, your provider will spend time connecting with you and your child, talking about what's going well, answering questions, and learning about your family's daily routines and priorities.

Visits often include:

• Playing alongside your child

• Celebrating new skills and successes

• Exploring ways to encourage communication, play, movement, and learning during everyday activities

• Sharing ideas and strategies that fit naturally into your family's routines

• Answering questions and providing support along the way

  
  

You might see your provider model a strategy during playtime, snack time, story time, or another familiar routine. Together, you'll discuss what feels comfortable, what is working well, and what you'd like to focus on before the next visit.

Most importantly, Early Intervention is not about "doing therapy" for an hour each week. It's about partnering with families and helping children learn through the people, places, and activities they experience every day.

Our goal is to help families feel confident, supported, and empowered as they help their child learn, grow, communicate, and thrive.

9. What happens when my child turns 3?

Around age 2½, your Early Intervention team will begin discussing transition options. Some children may qualify for Preschool Early Intervention through their local school district, while others may no longer need services.

10. Can I choose my child's provider?

Yes! You can request Laughter and Language in Westmoreland, Indiana, Armstrong, Fayette, and Washington counties!

What Makes Early Intervention So Important?

The first three years of life are a period of incredible brain growth and development. During this time, children are learning communication, social skills, movement, problem-solving, play skills, and independence.

Early support can help children develop these skills during a critical developmental window while also empowering caregivers with strategies that fit naturally into daily routines.

Research consistently shows that children learn best through meaningful interactions with the people they love. Early Intervention is designed to support the entire family—not just the child.

Why Caregiver Coaching Matters

Children spend far more time with their families than they do with any therapist.

A therapist may visit once a week, but caregivers have countless opportunities every day to support learning during:

• Meals

• Bath time

• Getting dressed

• Story time

• Outdoor play

• Shopping trips

• Car rides

• Bedtime routines

  
  

When caregivers feel confident using developmental strategies during everyday activities, children receive hundreds of opportunities to learn and practice new skills throughout the week.

This family-centered coaching approach is considered best practice in Pennsylvania Early Intervention and is supported by decades of research.

Did You Know?

Families in Pennsylvania can request a specific Early Intervention provider.

If your county contracts with Laughter and Language, LLC, you may request our team when discussing provider options with your Service Coordinator.

We proudly provide family-centered Early Intervention services that focus on:

• Caregiver coaching

• Play-based learning

• Building skills during everyday routines

• Supporting communication, social-emotional development, and participation

• Empowering families through practical, individualized strategies

Our Philosophy

Connection First. Supporting Families. Helping Children Learn, Grow, Communicate, and Thrive.

Because the most meaningful learning happens during joyful everyday moments with the people who matter most.

We look forward to partnering with families to help children learn, grow, communicate, and thrive.

What is the first step to getting Early Intervention for my child?

The first step is contacting your county’s Early Intervention program for a free evaluation:

 Westmoreland County: 724-837-1808

 Allegheny County: 412-885-6000

 Washington County: 724-228-1234

 Fayette County: 724-430-1370

And if your child qualifies, you can request:

 “We would like Laughter and Language as our provider.”

Parent requests truly matter and help connect families with providers they feel comfortable and supported with.

If you are unsure whether your child may benefit, feel free to message us anytime. We are always happy to help guide families through the process. Hello@laughterandlanguage.com