Early Intervention focuses on assisting families who have children (birth to three years of age) with developmental. Early Intervention (EI) is strictly voluntary on the part of the child’s family and no fees are charged for services provided. To be eligible for services, the child must have a >25% delay in one or more developmental areas (physical, communication, cognitive, adaptive, social-emotional), or have a diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay (such as cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, extreme prematurity, and other diagnoses).
An individualized plan is developed based on the family’s daily routines and concerns. Appropriate intervention services are provided to fit the family’s needs through parent/caregiver training in the child’s natural environment (home, relative care, daycare, etc.). Possible EI team members may include service coordinators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, special instructors, and others as needed.
Referrals to Early Intervention are accepted directly from parents, physicians, and others. You may call UCP at 256-852-5600 to make a referral, or you may contact the Alabama Child Find toll-free number at 1-800-543-3098.
Funded by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/Alabama Early Intervention System. For more information, email nthompson@ucphuntsville.org or call 256-852-5600.