From birth to age two, children with developmental delays are served by an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP).

From age three through beginning school age children with developmental delays are served by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The difference between the two plans is that the IFSP also provides for services and supports for families.

     To access Early Intervention services for your child contact:

ChildLink
            260 South Broad St.
            Philadelphia, PA 19102
            Intake Office: 215-731-2110

ChildLink is a single point of contact for entry into the Early Intervention System. They offer intake for any child from birth to age five. They also provide on-going coordination for children from birth to three years of age. If your child is age 3-5, you can also call Elwyn (215-222-8054), directly for services.

Child Care Works Networks - a Statewide resource that provides valuable information about child care, Head Start, and other early childhood development services available in Pennsylvania. Parents can learn about the many child care options and resources so that they can make informed choices that best meet their family's needs. Child care providers and community leaders can use this site as a planning tool when determining the availability of early childhood services provided in their area.

Parent Support Organizations

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania (P2P) - is a network created by families for families of children and adults with special needs. Parent to Parent can offer you support, from someone who's been there. Call Parent to Parent to find another family in a similar situation who can share experiences and offer practical information. All services are free and confidential. Their line is open 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday. Telephone 800-986-4550

Parent Education Network
PEN is Pennsylvania's statewide Parent Training and Information Center. This site provides information on special education in Pennsylvania and provides links to national sites. They also have their own publications on a variety of topics which you can order online. Visit their web site or contact them at:
        Parent Education Network
        2107 Industrial Highway
        York, PA 17402
        717-600-0100 V/TTY or 1-800-522-5827 V/TTY
        1-800-441-5028 (Spanish), 717-600-8101 Fax

Special Kids Network - a free, statewide network for families, like yours, with children who have special needs or disabilities. This number will connect you to an information and referral specialist in one of six regional areas. They can help you get connected to a range of resources and supports services in your community. The Special Kids Network works closely with Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania which links parents of children with disabilities to other parents in similar situations. You can access all of their services through 800-986-4550 for voice or 877-986-5432 TTY.

Child Care Works Network - find valuable information about child care, Head Start, and other early childhood development services available in Pennsylvania. Parents can learn about the many child care options and resources so that they can make informed choices that best meet their family's needs. Child care providers and community leaders can use this site as a planning tool when determining the availability of early childhood services provided in their area.

Other Advocacy Resources

Family Resources

Resources for Collaboration

Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC)
PICC is a group of parents and professionals from agencies and programs serving children with special needs ages birth to five years. The group provides suggestions and encourages collaboration among agencies who serve children in Philadelphia.  They work with daycare centers, Head Start centers and Early Intervention programs.

Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) (You will have to click on the Early Intervention button after coming to their main page). EITA provides training and technical assistance to Early Intervention programs and parent groups in Pennsylvania. Their web site contains very useful information about Early Intervention and the types of services and supports provided.