Welcome to the world of Early Intervention (EI) at Family Support Services! Our committed team of EI professionals provides services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the city of Philadelphia.

We provide direct EI services through teachers, social workers, and speech, occupational, and physical therapists in a child’s natural environment through our Penn Early Childhood Program. Our center-based services are found at the Fairmount Early Intervention Center.

Our Penn Early Childhood Program offers community-based, EI services to children who have 25% or greater delays in their development. We serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers, whose ages range from birth to five years old, as they work to reach their potential. Our teachers, social workers, and therapists work with children individually in the child’s natural environment. The program is administered in two different divisions: The Penn Early Childhood Program, Birth-to-Three Services, and the Penn Early Childhood Program, Three-to-Five Services.

The Penn Early Childhood Program operates out of offices located at 4212 Chestnut St. Phila., Pa. 19104 (phone 215-382-3171).

Our Fairmount Early Intervention Center is a warm and welcoming center-based Early Intervention program that works to develop the potential of children with 25% or greater delays in their development. Children attend morning or afternoon classes from 9-11:30 or 1:00 – 3:30 according to the child’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP.) The center has a specialized classroom to support children with autism. Our Fairmount Center is located at 2000 Hamilton St. Phila., Pa., 19130 (phone 215-851-0390).

Some commonly asked questions about Early Intervention Services follow:

What law entitles Philadelphia children to Early Intervention (EI) services?
Early Interventions services are funded primarily through federal and state sources. The state of Pennsylvania defines Early Intervention service protocols under a 1990 law. Titled “Act 212”, this law entitles all eligible infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families to Early Intervention services. Federal funding is governed by a Federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which predates and overlaps Pennsylvania’s Act 212. The IDEA law also defines EI service protocols.

What does “eligible” mean, and what services are provided?
To be eligible for services, children must demonstrate a 25% (or greater) delay in one or more areas of development, or have been diagnosed with certain other conditions. Parents who are concerned about their child’s development should contact ChildLink at 215-731-2110 or at www.phmc.org for a screening.

Once a child is tested and found eligible for EI services, one of two agencies will fund the child’s EI services. The PA Department of Public Welfare will fund birth-to-three year-olds, while the PA Department of Education will fund children from three years-old through beginning-kindergarteners.

Where are services provided?
Services are provided in a child’s natural environment. The natural environment includes a child’s (or family’s) home; preschool; daycare program; head start program; community settings; or a specialized setting.

Where can I connect with EI parenting support organizations?
Support for parents can be found through the Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council. The council offers several parent/professional meetings throughout the city. This organization works all year long and publishes a quarterly newsletter. Their website is www.philadelphiaicc.org.