What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention is a term that often is used to describe specific agencies, programs, services, and resources. In North Carolina, early intervention refers to the system of services provided by many different agencies and programs for children birth to five and their families. This comprehensive, interagency system is called Together We Grow. There are two parts of Together We Grow - the Infant-Toddler Program for children birth to three and the Preschool Program for children ages three to five. The North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council is an advisory group to both programs, and focuses on the birth to five age range.

The early intervention system of services is provided under federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part C of the IDEA provides the federal mandate for services for young children with special needs, aged birth to three years. Part B of the IDEA provides the federal mandate for students with special needs, aged 3-21 years.

Home | NC Interagency Coordinating Council | Infant Toddler Program | Preschool Program

Page Last Updated September 26, 2008

Women's and Children's Health Section | Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Human Services | State of North Carolina