What to Expect During an Early Intervention Evaluation (Ages 0–3)

Sep 26, 2025

When a child isn't meeting developmental milestones, it's natural for parents to have questions and concerns. Early intervention services are designed to assess and support children under age 3 who may benefit from additional developmental, behavioral, or educational support.

Understanding how to navigate the early intervention evaluation process can be helpful. You'll have more peace of mind knowing exactly what to expect and how to advocate for your child.

What Is an Early Intervention Evaluation?

Early intervention (EI) evaluations help identify whether a child aged 0-3 qualifies for developmental services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

EI evaluations examine areas such as:

• Speech
• Motor skills
• Cognitive ability
• Emotional development

Parents have the right to directly request a free evaluation, even without a doctor's referral. If a child is found eligible, the family works with professionals to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) tailored to their child's needs.

Early identification of developmental delays allows families to access services that can significantly improve long-term outcomes for their child. The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center reports that early intervention has been shown to improve motor, cognitive, behavior, and language outcomes - especially for at-risk infants.

When to Seek an Evaluation

Each child develops at their own pace. As a parent, if you notice delays or regressions that are concerning, it's wise to talk to your pediatrician or contact your local early intervention program.

Some early signs that may warrant a developmental evaluation include:

• Lack of eye contact or social engagement
• Not babbling, cooing, or speaking expected words by age 2
• Trouble with balance or movement
• Difficulty responding to sounds or voices
• Limited gestures such as pointing or waving

It can be common for parents to worry about overreacting when it comes to child development. But early action - even when parents are unsure - can help children access support when it makes the biggest difference.

The Evaluation Process, Step by Step

For many parents, this journey can feel complicated. But the process of getting an EI evaluation is straightforward and supportive. Taking these steps allows professionals to determine whether your child is eligible for early intervention services.

Step 1: Making a Referral

Anyone can refer a child for early intervention, including parents, pediatricians, child care providers, or social workers. The good news is that all U.S. states and territories offer free early intervention evaluations.

Step 2: Consent and Scheduling

Once a referral is made, a service coordinator will contact you. You'll provide consent before any testing occurs. Evaluations typically happen in a familiar setting, such as your home or a child care center.

Step 3: The Evaluation Team

A team of professionals, which might include a speech-language pathologist or developmental specialist, will observe, interview, and assess your child across multiple domains:

• Communication
• Motor development
• Cognitive skills
• Social and emotional behavior
• Adaptive and self-help skills

After the evaluation, you'll receive a written report that indicates findings and results.

Preparing for the Evaluation

Knowing how to get ready can make your child's evaluation smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Early intervention teams want families to feel like partners in the process, so coming prepared with the right information and questions is time well spent.

Parents should bring:

• A list of developmental concerns or questions
• Child's medical and birth history
• Notes from pediatrician (if available)
• Any completed developmental screening forms

You may also want to prepare your child with calming activities or bring familiar toys to help them feel more at ease during the evaluation.

Questions you might ask during the evaluation include:

• What will be evaluated today?
• How long will the process take?
• When and how will I receive results?

What Happens If My Child Qualifies for EI Services?

If your child qualifies for services, you'll move on to developing an IFSP. If not, the report may still include helpful suggestions or referrals for other services.

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a roadmap of goals and services intended to benefit each child and meet their needs. This plan outlines:

• The types of services provided (speech, OT, etc.)
• Frequency and setting of services
• Strategies to support development at home

The plan also considers your family's priorities and values, making it a collaborative process. In many cases, an early intervention provider will begin visiting your home or another agreed-upon setting.

Services are often provided through play-based and routine-focused strategies.

Getting Early Intervention Support for Your Child

If you've noticed signs of delay or just want peace of mind, don't wait. Requesting an early intervention evaluation is a proactive step toward supporting your child's growth.

Pediatric Partners, part of the Sevita family, provides early intervention and pediatric therapy services that meet children and families where they are.

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