Babies with developmental delays are unique individuals with personalities, abilities and talents that define their identities more significantly than their performance on a professional evaluation. Most infants and toddlers with delays do not reach milestones in certain areas, when compared to other children their age; or may be very different in how they perform tasks associated with those milestones. Some children experience lapses due to illness, trauma or injury; others seem to lose skills for no particular reason. Most children with developmental delays who are evaluated for early intervention services are those at risk due to prematurity or traumatic birth, and those who are diagnosed with Down syndrome or other condition associated with physical, intellectual or other challenges.

Baby playgroups, Mommy and Me classes, and infant stimulation programs give moms and other caregivers ideas on encouraging very young children with developmental delays, just as they do for their mainstream peers. Growing up included in family-centered and child-centered programs can teach all children and parents about the true diversity of our communities. Parents of children who qualify for free early intervention services and other support from birth to age three can only understand how much more like their children are than they are different from typically developing peers with exposure to the differences in other kids.

Typically developing children learn to accept their own differences when they are included in groups where a natural percentage of their peers have delays or disabilities. While we often praise inclusion because children with learning or developmental differences have mainstream role models and better opportunities to follow their talents and interests, growing up in a supportive environment where help is asked for or given freely is an asset for all children.

Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for books on Early Intervention Activities and Games
or Early Intervention at Home and School

Overview of Early Intervention
A legacy resource from NICHCY
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ei-overview/

Ayuda para los Bebes - Programa de Intervención Temprana
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/parabebes/

New videos offer research-based tips to boost early learning
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/educationlab/2014/06/09/new-videos-offer-research-based-tips-to-boost-early-learning/

Terri Mauro's Five Bad Reasons to Avoid Early Intervention

Guest Blog: Uncommon Sense
For the Therapist, From the Mom
http://ht.ly/7gL1e

Diane Ravitch: Defending the Early Years Against Adult Demands
http://wp.me/p2odLa-6VE

Early Childhood Education and the NAEYC
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art53251.asp