Early Intervention

We have been delighted to be a key provider for early childhood intervention services in Western MA, serving Hampden county.

Every child is unique. Even brothers and sisters learn and develop at their own pace. These differences are often nothing to worry about, but if you have concerns we’re always here to help and answer questions.

It’s Progress to Us – But Play to Your Child

Sometimes children need extra help learning to walk, talk, or reach other milestones.

Our team of Early Intervention specialists can assess your child and, if needed, provide therapies to help them.

Since 1978, we’ve been developing personalized treatment plans that promote play, movement, communication, and self-care skills.

We work with children from birth to three years of age. Most importantly, we bring services to your home or daycare center so your child always feels safe and secure.

What to Expect

An initial evaluation takes about two hours. We’ll assess your child’s cognitive, physical, communicative, social, emotional, personal, and adaptive development and let you know the same day whether you qualify for services.

Some of the most common issues we can help with include:

  • Health conditions
  • Disabilities
  • Speech delays
  • Attention difficulties
  • Behavioral concerns
  • Difficulty crawling, walking, or gaining independence

We also work with children who have autism spectrum disorder, feeding concerns, sensory issues, and other medical needs. Families experiencing added stress that may affect your child’s development may also be eligible.

We’ll include the whole family in therapy activities if you like. We’ll help you build strong emotional bonds with your child as you play and interact in new ways. And we’ll connect you with community services and play groups that may be helpful.

Early Intervention services are paid for by commercial health insurers, MassHealth, and the Department of Public Health, which covers costs denied by an insurer. There are no out-of -pocket costs involved. You will not be expected to pay for these services.

Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers are available throughout Western Massachusetts in Springfield, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and Hampden. Physician referrals are not required.

Central Registration Desk

Please call this number for information about programs, services, and more.

Developmental Milestones

  • Actively moves arms and legs
  • Follows objects and faces with eyes
  • Lifts and turns head while lying
  • Holds head up briefly
  • Smiles and coos
  • Gains weight and grows in length
  • Sucks on hand
  • Reaches
  • Makes gurgling noises
  • Rolls over
  • Varies cries
  • Brings hand to mouth
  • Sits by self
  • Holds toys easily
  • Transfers toy from hand to hand
  • Understands “bye-bye”
  • Gets onto hands and knees
  • Takes strained baby food from spoon
  • Crawls
  • Makes sounds like “ma, pa, ba”
  • Pulls to stand and sit alone
  • Responds to “no,” own name, and family
  • Is aware of strangers
  • Drops toys with accuracy
  • Begins finger feeding

“Three of my grandkids were helped by Early Intervention – with speech, walking, and hand-eye coordination. Our therapists did a fantastic job. The changes we saw were significant.”

- Jim Goodwin, CEO