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You know the feeling, you have had concerns about your child's development and the doctor has just confirmed your suspicion. Your child has developmental delays and Early Intervention Services are recommended, but you are not sure where to turn. You wonder who provides Early Intervention and what is important to consider when selecting a provider.

Tracy A. Zeiler, M.Ed., Director of Early Intervention has had more than 20 years of experience helping families understand the importance of selecting the right provider. “We have identified three key questions we recommend to parents investigating an Early Intervention provider.” says Tracy, “This is a very important decision in your child's future, and you want to be sure your child gets the best possible services.

1. How long have they been providing Early Intervention Services?
Check the different provider websites to get a sense of their experience in the field. Has the provider been offering services for a long period of time? Does their listing of their staff members provide the number of years they have worked in Early Intervention, their educational background, and credentials? Tenure is a very good indicator of the strength of a provider.

Check the provider’s social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to get a sense of the organization's commitment and involvement with their children and families.

2. What are the parents of their clients saying about their services?
Ask others in your social circles, families, neighborhoods, or schools. Reach out to other parents who have used Early Intervention services. Having a conversation with someone who has "been there" is a sure way to understand a provider's values and mission. Get opinions about what they liked best about a provider. Did they feel the staff was approachable and helpful? Did they center the child's therapy around the family routine and environment? Did their child and family look forward to their visit? The relationship with the therapist is an important component of a child's success.

3. What services do they provide?
Look for a provider that has a range of Early Intervention Services. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Developmental Services, Social Work, Nutrition, Vision and Hearing Services, are some of the key disciplines to look for in a provider. They can all make important contributions to a child’s progress dependent upon your child and family’s needs.

While a quick review of a provider’s website and social media networks can answer these questions, a call is a great way to get a "feel" for the provider. Ask about their staff, how they deliver services, and how they approach a new child. Discuss your child's challenges and ask them how they would proceed to help you. Ask about their staff's licenses, specialty areas, certifications, and length of service. Consider asking for references of parents that you could speak with that have used their services. This conversation can be a helpful way to understand if the provider is a good fit for your needs.

Choosing a provider is an important decision, at The Children’s Institute, we work to provide the best possible experience for families. Take a look at our Early Intervention services, or give us a call at 412.420.2400.