Chester County highlights Infant-Toddler Early Intervention program serving about 1,000 children

Chester County officials on April 9 outlined the county's Infant-Toddler Early Intervention program, an entitlement service that provides free support and therapies to children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities.

The presentation, given by Michelle Davis, Director of Early Intervention Services, said the program 'is an entitlement program that provides support, education, and services to children and families with developmental delays and disabilities at no cost.' The county's Administrator for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Linda Cox, opened the presentation and introduced Davis.

Davis told commissioners that federal rules require timely eligibility determinations and afford parents procedural safeguards. She said staff use standardized developmental assessments across domains and that services are tailored to each child and family. "All of our services are voluntary, and services are provided using an evidence based model of practice," Davis said. She added that families also receive a service coordinator who serves as a single point of contact and assists families in navigating services and understanding their rights.

County officials said the program serves about 1,000 children on any given day and that the number served annually has roughly doubled over the last decade. Commissioners were told the county currently contracts with 22 provider agencies to deliver therapies and supports including speech, occupational and physical therapy, clinical services, home visits, and service coordination.

Davis emphasized that the program focuses on caregiver capacity: team planning centers parents as equal members and prioritizes supporting caregivers to promote a child's development. She also noted that evaluations can benefit families even when a child does not meet eligibility criteria by producing referrals, suggestions and resources.

Linda Cox recognized Michelle Davis' long service to the county and told the board Davis will retire in June after 37 years with the department. "She has been a trailblazer," Cox said. Cox and Davis also noted the department offers 25 programs overall and employs just over 100 staff in the county's public health and human services operations.

Commissioners did not take formal action tied to the presentation; the session was a departmental spotlight intended to inform the board and the public about program operations and outcomes.