early intervention


ear·ly in·ter·ven·tion

(ĕr'lē in'tĕr-ven'shŭn) A multidisciplinary, coordinated, natural environment-based system (i.e., least restrictive environment) of service provision to eligible children birth to 3 or 5 years of age and their families (depending on governmental jurisdiction); provided under the U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. Services are designed to address identified developmental delays and at risk situations of the child and/or the family.
Synonym(s): EI program.

early intervention

In rehabilitative medicine, a system of coordinated, community-based services for infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years of age who are at risk for developmental delay. Services are designed to identify, prevent, or remediate existing problems and enhance development through individual and family intervention strategies. See: developmental delay