If your child is showing signs of a disability or developmental delay, the first step is to fill out the Tennessee Early Intervention System's (TEIS) REFERRAL FORM. If your child meets the age criteria, an Early Childhood Evaluator will perform an assessment covering several domains of early childhood development. The results of the evaluation will be provided to TEIS, who will determine if you child meets eligibility criteria for the program.

In 2024, the federal government gave its approval for Tennessee to become the first state to offer early intervention services to children from birth until they reach school age. This extension of the program gives eligible families the option to receive services until the start of the school year following the child’s fifth birthday, if the child meets certain eligibility criteria. This is the full age range allowed for early intervention services through Part C of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Our therapists' roles are as follows:

• Listen, encourage, and build the confidence of families in helping their child
• Observe daily activities and partner with families to develop intervention ideas
• Coach and give feedback on the family and child's strengths
• Provide information on child development and learning opportunities for children

This service is based on the family's needs. Therapy is typically provided in the home, but our staff can accommodate children in the community as well (ie. at a park, restaurant, or in a store).

Sessions are typically one hour and, depending on the need, can either be weekly or bi-monthly.

Yes! The Developmental Therapist that is assigned to your family will be the same therapist who conducts every session. If, for some reason, your therapist leaves the program, you will be notified of the change.

Yes but not exclusively. Our therapists use a research-based coaching model which emphasizes a family-guided team approach. It is a collaborative partnership between the provider and the family. So while our therapist will work with your child, they will also be instructing parents on how to carry out exercises in between sessions.