Early Intervention for ME helps children from birth to three achieve important developmental milestones. In a family-focused partnership, specialists show caregivers how to incorporate learning opportunities into a child’s everyday activities. Research clearly shows children from birth to three respond best to caregivers they know and trust.
![Photo of child stepping in water](/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-images/Early%20Intervention%20for%20ME%20-%20Homepage%20Stock%20Photo.jpg)
Early Intervention Works!
Our routines-based approach is empowering, collaborative, and proven. Our providers empower families to support a child’s healthy development. We equip caregivers with early intervention strategies that can be woven into a child’s familiar routines and natural play.
Our work takes place all over Maine. Early Intervention for ME consists of regional sites statewide. Regional sites provide case management and direct support for families.
What is the first step?
Make a Referral
We want to hear from you!
Referrals and self-referrals come to us directly from families, caregivers, physicians, social service agencies, childcare, and home health agencies. If there are questions about a child’s development, talking to a pediatrician is never a bad idea. But we do not require a pediatrician’s referral or any other clinical referral.
After Early Intervention for ME receives a referral, we can perform a free assessment of a child’s basic skills and eligibility for early intervention services.
Once we understand a child’s unique developmental needs and the family’s priorities and goals, we form a team of dedicated early intervention professionals led by a dedicated service coordinator who is with the family every step of the way.
We collaborate with a wide range of professionals, such as experienced home health providers, physicians, specialists in hearing and vision, childcare centers, and community and human service agencies to provide coordinated and holistic services for each child.
Contact
If you have questions about Early Intervention for ME, please contact a member of the Maine Department of Education Early Intervention team at one of our regional sites, or through our referral line at 877-770-8883.