Early Intervention Services

The first 3 years of life is a critical period for discovery, during which children learn who they are, how to relate to others, how to express their feelings, and how to feel competent. For young children with speech, language, physical, occupational, or social delays or genetic disorders/conditions that lead to a high probability of developmental delay, it is recommended that early intervention services begin immediately. Services are also effective with young children who do not present with a diagnosis, but show a noticeably slower rate of development (i.e., speech, language, fine/gross motor, social, etc.). 

Early intervention helps children reach important milestones (see Resources), develop communication skills, and minimize the severity of behaviors that interfere with your child's functioning and learning (Siegel et al., 1988).

Families Benefit From Early Intervention

Beyond helping the child with developmental delays, early intervention also assists the entire family. Education for parents and caregivers will focus on your child’s needs, including specific information and skills for teaching your child.

In addition, emotional support for families often reduces feelings of isolation, frustration, guilt, and helplessness. Increasing the well-being of the entire family can provide your special needs child with a more supportive environment, allowing your child to develop emotionally and physically.

Growing evidence has emerged from a wide research base in health, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and education, about the importance of promoting positive family and community experiences for young children during the earliest years of childhood (for example, McCain and Mustard 1999).

Our Center offers a warm, safe, family-friendly environment. Communication Works believes in a team approach and works to make parents/caregivers and your child’s professional team members our partners. What stands us apart is our proven and successful collaborative model and our push to generalize learned skills.  Our licensed speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists work with your child and family on a weekly basis to provide necessary education to teach parents/caregivers how to facilitate speech, language, social, sensory, as well as fine- and gross-motor development into the family’s daily routines. We can also consult with your child’s day care center as needed to ensure carryover and expedite progress.

Services Include:

1. Screenings
2. Assessment
3. Therapy services
4. Center or In-home options
5. Specialized training for families, caregivers, and day care providers
6. Baby Signs® Program
7. The Hanen® Program

Regional Center of the East Bay

Communication Works is an approved vendor with the Regional Center of the East Bay (www.rceb.org), providing speech and language and occupational therapy services for young children (birth to 3 years) in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Early Intervention Services Flyer (PDF)

Can a Tantrum signal a communication disorder? (PDF)