ABSTRACT
Early intervention is a complex system of state-based services, guided by federal legislation and designed to provide supports and services for infants and young children, birth to 3 years of age, with or at-risk for disabilities, and their families. Although a number of states and communities had been providing early intervention services since the 1970s, it was not until 1986 that a formal national network of programs was established as part of Public Law 99-457, now known as Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Each year nearly 300,000 children and their families become eligible for and receive some form of early intervention services.
