Maryland reports rebound in Infants and Toddlers enrollments; state stresses early intervention benefits and outreach

Maryland education officials updated the State Board of Education on the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (Part C early intervention) on Feb. 20, saying the system is recovering from pandemic-era enrollment declines and reiterating that early services are free and designed to be family-centered.

Assistant Superintendent Antwan Hickman and early intervention staff described how the program provides individualized family service plans (IFSPs) and delivers supports in children’s natural environments. Officials cited a 2017 Maryland study that found roughly 68 percent of children who received Part C services did not require special education in elementary school; the department said it is preparing an updated analysis with more recent cohorts.

Officials stressed the program’s core principles: services focused on functional outcomes agreed with families, delivered through coaching and embedded in daily routines, and cross-disciplinary teams coordinated by a service coordinator. Maryland uses an “extended IFSP” option that allows families to continue Part C services past age three up to the start of pre-K; the department said about 50 percent of eligible families elect the extended option.

Referrals are voluntary and can come from anyone; MSDE maintains an online referral portal and local programs also accept phone or faxed referrals. Staff said equitable outreach to families and medical and child-care partners is a continuing priority, and noted materials are available in multiple languages with state and local outreach campaigns.

Ending: The department emphasized early intervention’s purpose — boosting child development and family capacity — and called for continued outreach and partnerships with pediatricians, hospitals and child-care providers to identify children early and deliver timely services.