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early intervention

Sometimes you may have a question about your child’s development. Or maybe your child’s daycare or pediatrician has suggested that you contact an Early Intervention program. When you’re concerned about your child’s development, you need answers and you want to know you have the best solutions from the most qualified professionals.

Our team of specialists will listen to your concerns and evaluate your child to help you understand what your child is experiencing. Children actually develop at different rates and sometimes when they miss a milestone, they catch up on their own. Yet, it’s important to know what may be causing your child to struggle because sometimes children need a little help to move forward with their development.

Research has shown that providing intervention in the early years can make a critical difference in a child’s lifetime of growth. We also know that infants and toddlers learn best from the everyday experiences with the familiar people in their lives. Our team will help you understand what factors may be influencing your child’s development. If your child needs support, we’ll work alongside your family as you support your child.

Your comprehensive team of developmental specialists is designed based on your child’s unique needs. Among those who may be on your team are occupational and physical therapists, nurses, educators, speech and language therapists, social workers and service coordinators

This is your team, a team that will collaborate with you in achieving your goals for your child. Throughout, you will feel the innate respect we have for your family, your family’s way of doing things and your family’s culture.

Our whole approach is based on listening to you and supporting you to attain the outcomes you want for your child. We start by asking: what do you want to see happen for your child? We’ll then offer support and guidance so that in the course of your family’s everyday life, you can maximize your child’s progress in vital areas, such as learning to walk, communicate, use positive behaviors or develop play skills.

Through Early Intervention Services, you’ll:

  • Obtain answers to your questions about your child’s development
  • Identify and move towards the outcomes you want for your child
  • Expand your understanding of how to promote your child’s progress
  • Gain practical strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs
  • Increase your skill in advocating for your child
  • Have guidance in exploring future service options in the wider community

Our services take place in your child’s natural settings, such as at home or day care. Your child will be in familiar surroundings, with favorite toys and playing with siblings or peers. Learning while in daily routines is not only comfortable for a young child and convenient for the family, it is also extremely effective. Children learn to apply skills to their daily life, right from the beginning.

What to expect:

  • We will meet with you to discuss your concerns. If there is a need for an evaluation, we will assess your child.
  • If your child qualifies, we will work together with you to create a plan for Early Intervention services.
  • If your child is found ineligible for Early Intervention services, we will suggest other resources.
  • Services will be conducted in your child’s natural settings such as at home, or in a daycare.
  • We will pay special attention to your needs, together creating ways for you to support your child’s development that are practical for family life.
  • If your family is facing challenges in other areas, such as finding adequate housing or money for food, we will help you connect with resources in your community.
  • When your child is ready to move on to other services or to begin preschool, we will help create a plan for a smooth transition.
  • There is no out-of-pocket cost for these services.

Who is eligible:

  • Looking Upwards' Early Intervention serves families throughout Rhode Island (RI).
  • Anyone, including a family member, can refer a child to Early Intervention services.
  • Early Intervention is available to address questions and concerns for all families of children from birth to three years of age.
  • Children who are determined to have a qualifying need will be eligible to receive ongoing services.

Communities We Serve:

  • Looking Upwards' Early Intervention serves families throughout Rhode Island (RI).

Who to contact:

  • Intake coordinator; Connie Cherveny 401- 293-5790 x 329 or email Connie