Early Intervention

Early Intervention is defined as “a system of coordinated services that promotes the child's age-appropriate growth and development and supports families during the critical early years.”   Indiana’s Early Intervention system is First Steps,  a division under the Family and Social Services Administration in Indiana.  First Steps has designated the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Network as the early intervention agency specially designed to serve deaf and hard of hearing children statewide by providing unique specialists to ensure optimal outcomes for children and families. 

The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) provides guidelines on establishing strong early interventions (EI) systems with appropriate expertise to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  In fact that is the ultimate purpose and goal of identifying children as early as possible.  Prompt EI services provided by providers with optimal knowledge and skill levels based on research, best practices and proven models are necessary to make use of this window of opportunity for language.  Goal 3 in the 2013 Supplement to the JCIH position statement (EI best practice guidelines) is: “All Children who are deaf or hard of hearing birth to 3 years of age and their families have EI providers who have the professional qualifications and core knowledge and skills to optimize the child’s development and child/family well-being.” 

Research has told us that the brain needs accessible language in order to learn and develop thinking skills and academic skills later when they arrive at kindergarten.  The Center of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network of providers is available to help families work towards their goals by providing professionals with expertise in visual and spoken language opportunities as well as other specialists who can coach parents in furthering the development of their child.

So, let’s talk about how we can be brain builders through appropriate specialized service delivery. 

Our first edition FAQ is: Why are services usually provided in the family’s home?

Answer:  Research shows children are more likely to generalize what they learn if it is learned in their typical everyday environment in the context of everyday routines, activities and places.  Other benefits include parents and caregivers being an integral part and feeling ownership in order to carry out the techniques and practices that foster language acquisition and learning throughout their everyday lives.

If you know of a family in need of specialized services available through the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network contact us at 1-855-875-5193 or email cdhhenetwork@isdh.in.gov. 

References: 

American Academy of Pediatrics, Supplement to the Joint committee on Infant Hearing:  Year 2007: Principles and Guidelines for Early Intervention after confirmation that a Child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, 2013.