ACT EARLY 0-5 YEARS

Virginia Early Intervention – This site provides information, resources and a broad range of professional development efforts specifically designed for early interventionists, students, families, faculty and all committed to ongoing learning.

Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia – The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia is Virginia’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (age 0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. Any infant or toddler in Virginia who isn’t developing as expected or who has a medical condition that can delay typical development is eligible to receive early intervention supports and services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Do you have developmental concerns but aren’t sure what to do next? Please click the link below.

Next Steps for Families and Caregivers: Form

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Click here if you’re interested in learning more about the work of the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador in Virginia and the “Learn the Signs. Act Early” campaign to improve early identification practices and collaborate with state agencies and campaign partners to improve policy and programs for early identification in Virginia.

For more resources, click here to visit the CDC LTSAE website.

Developmental Concern? Want to know what to do next? This link is the Next Step for families and caregivers (the form).

From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.).

Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.

From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun!

Download it free today on iOS and Android devices in English and Spanish!
Early Intervention Contacts

Find your state or territory’s early intervention program

Early Intervention…

  • Is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
  • May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.
  • Can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.
  • Programs are available in every state and territory (see each program’s contact information below). These publicly funded programs provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.

How do I find out if my child is eligible for services?

Eligibility for early intervention services is based on an evaluation of your child’s skills and abilities.

If you, your child’s doctor, or other care provider is concerned about your child’s development, ask to be connected with your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. If your doctor is not able to connect you, you can reach out yourself. A doctor’s referral is not necessary.

  • If your child is under age 3: Call your state or territory’s early intervention program (see contacts below) and say: “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if he/she is eligible for early intervention services.”
  • If your child is age 3 or older: Click here.

“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools pdf icon[918 KB, 115 Pages, Print Only].

If your concerned …

Talk to Your Child’s Doctor

As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!

Complete a Milestone Checklist for Your Child’s Age

Ask About Developmental Screening

Free Milestone Tracker App button

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened for general development using standardized, validated tools at 9, 18, or 30 months and for autism at 18 and 24 months or whenever a parent or provider has a concern. Ask the doctor about your child’s developmental screening.

Easterseals, provides parents with FREE access to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition, one of many general developmental screening tools. Click here to learn more and take the screeningexternal icon. Be sure to share the completed questionnaire and results with your child’s doctor.

Learn more about developmental screening >

Checklists

Milestone Checklist

All Checklists with Tips

Get Free “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Materials

Español (Spanish)

Resources on this Page

MM booklet

Milestone Moments Booklet – Order Online

Milestone Checklists
Complete a milestone checklist for your child’s age to track and celebrate the milestones that he or she is reaching.

Milestones in Action

Milestones in Action is a free library of photos and videos of developmental milestones.

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