About Babies & Toddlers

The birth of a child is an exciting, life-changing event. A beautiful new baby comes to your house, family, and neighborhood. It is a time for celebration. Family members look at the new child and wonder: Will he be a football star, will she be a famous musician, will he discover the cure for cancer, will she become President of the United States?

But what happens when this new child has a disability? What if there are health problems? What if, as time goes by, it seems as if the child isn’t learning and progressing as quickly or easily as other children? This part of NICHCY’s site can help you find answers and people who can help.

In fact, there are many supports available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities, thanks to the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services for very young children, from birth to the 3rd birthday (and sometimes beyond), are called Early Intervention or Part C services (so named for where they are described in IDEA).

Early intervention is an effective way to help children catch up or address specific developmental concerns as soon as possible in their lives. To learn more about these vital services, explore here http://nichcy.org/babies.