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Early Intervention

Philadelphia Early Intervention Services

Empowering young lives through Early Intervention in Philadelphia since 2016. Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapy and special instruction for children ages 0–3, at no cost to Pennsylvania families.

Since 2016Empowering young lives
1,000+Families supported annually
Therapist and smiling toddler playing with a peg board at a table
How Early Intervention Works

How to Start Philadelphia Early Intervention

In Pennsylvania, early intervention is free and helps children with developmental delays or disabilities reach their milestones. An evaluation through your county’s Infant Toddler program determines eligibility, and if your child qualifies, you can choose GentleCare as your provider.

  1. 1

    Contact Your County Program

    Reach the Infant Toddler program for your county (below) to request an initial evaluation.

  2. 2

    Free State Evaluation

    An evaluation by the State Program determines your child’s eligibility.

  3. 3

    Choose GentleCare

    If your child qualifies, our specialists provide the services your child needs.

CONNECT Helpline (general assistance in Pennsylvania): 1-800-692-7288 · help@connectpa.net · Connect Referral Form

What We Offer

Our Early Intervention Therapies in Philadelphia

We believe children make the most progress in a warm, family-centered atmosphere. Our highly qualified early intervention therapists create engaging learning for each child, using the latest research and techniques, throughout the Philadelphia area.

Occupational Therapy

Helps Children With

  • Sensitivities to touch, noise, and movement
  • Difficulties with weak core, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills
  • Therapeutic listening and use of reflexes
  • Developing focus and attention
  • Challenges in reading

Speech Therapy

Helps Children With

  • Sound processing
  • Language delays
  • Oral motor weakness
  • Articulation
  • Expressive language skills and literacy
  • Feeding and swallowing impairment

Physical Therapy

Helps Children With

  • Motor skills and self-care
  • Balance
  • Mobility
  • Coordination
  • Strength
  • Endurance

Special Instruction

Helps Children With

  • Cognitive and social development
  • Interpersonal and daily living skills
  • Responses to everyday sensory and interactive experiences
Where to Start

Philadelphia-Area Early Intervention Contacts by County

Family Resources & FAQ

Philadelphia Early Intervention FAQs

What therapies are included in Philadelphia early intervention?

Early intervention therapies in Philadelphia include a range of services designed to help young children develop crucial skills. These services typically encompass Speech Therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special instruction therapy, all aimed at addressing developmental delays or disabilities.

What is special instruction therapy in early intervention programs?

Special instruction therapy is a component of early intervention that focuses on teaching children with developmental delays or disabilities specific skills and behaviors. This therapy is tailored to meet individual needs and can include cognitive, social, and emotional development techniques, helping children interact more effectively with their environment.

Family Resources

  • Early Intervention Technical Assistance PortalTraining and technical assistance for early intervention programs and families.Learn more →
  • PaTTANSupport specialists who help families understand the special education process.Learn more →
  • CDC’s Developmental Milestones ResourcesLearn more →
  • CDC Milestone Moments ChecklistLearn more →
  • PathwaysGreat resources for child development.Learn more →
  • Early Childhood Development ChartLearn more →
Call/Text(856) 484-5535Enroll Now