Written by: Superintendent Leigh Anne Wenning
At the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities, supporting families begins at the very start of a child’s life. For infants and toddlers who are showing signs of a delay, or who are born with conditions that may lead to developmental delays, our Early Intervention team is here to help.
Early Intervention is a statewide system that offers coordinated services to parents of eligible children under the age of three. The program focuses on helping children develop essential skills and supports families in understanding and addressing their child’s developmental needs. Services are typically provided in the child’s natural environment, such as the home or childcare setting, to promote learning through everyday activities.
Early Intervention (EI) services are available for children from birth to age three who have at least one documented developmental delay or a medical condition known to cause delays. Eligibility is determined through a free, comprehensive evaluation by trained professionals.
Getting started is easy. Anyone—parents, caregivers, doctors, teachers, or even extended family members—can make a referral. Families can begin the process by calling Ohio Early Intervention at 1-800-755-4769 or by completing a simple form online at ohioearlyintervention.org.
If a child qualifies, a personalized plan is developed to support areas of need—whether that’s motor skills, communication, social interaction, or something else. Our certified and licensed staff work closely with families, helping them learn how to incorporate strategies into everyday routines.
My biggest advice to families who are unsure about their child’s development? Don’t wait. Those early years are critical to a child’s growth and future success. These services are free, and we come to you.
If you have questions about services offered by SCBDD, call us at 937-497-8155. And don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date on services, events, and resources.