If your child is preschool age ( 3-5) and you are concerned about delays in learning, speech, behavior or other areas, early intervention (EI) services may be available.

If you live in Philadelphia, EI services are provided through ELWYN.

If you live outside of Philadelphia, EI services are through your county or an “intermediate unit” (IU).

EI services can happen at home, daycare, or preschool, or specialized school.

If you have an EI support program for your child and are concerned- reach out.

If you have an EI evaluation for your child and are concerned- reach out.

If your child has an EI support program and has been asked to leave a preschool program- reach out.

If your child is moving from preschool to kindergarten and you are concerned- reach out.

Your Philadelphia Baby Has 1,776 Days to Get Ready for Kindergarten!*

Make sure your little one is a Philadelphia 1776 Baby—ready for independence, ready for success!

Every day before kindergarten counts. In these first 1,776 days, your child's brain is forming 700 new connections every second—a critical time for learning and growth.

Support Your Child’s Early Development

Using early learning programs during these first 1,776 days:

• Improves behavior and speech—60% of children see better communication skills
• Increases the likelihood of high school graduation by 30%
• Boosts future earning potential—children are 33% more likely to earn a higher income as adults

Watch Them Grow!

Request a “Watch Me Grow” brochure to enjoy every step of your child's journey.

Need Support?

If you have concerns about your child’s development, Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention is here to help.

Contact us for information, referrals, and “Watch Me Grow” brochures:
Call: 215-685-4646
Email: Birthto3El@phila.gov

*Days to kindergarten vary based on your child’s birth date.

Your Philadelphia baby has 1776 days to get ready for kindergarten*

Make sure your baby is a Philadelphia 1776 baby! Ready for independence! Ready for success!

Each day before kindergarten matters! During these first 1776 days a child’s brain is making 700 new connections every second.

Enjoy watching your child grow… request a “Watch Me Grow” brochure.

Using Early Learning programs in these first 1776 days…

• Helps with behavior and with speech… 60% improve in communication skills
• Makes it 30% more likely that your child will graduate from high school
• Makes is 33% more likely that your child will have a higher income as an adult

Have concerns about your child’s development? Contact Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention.

For information, Referrals and “Watch Me Grow” brochures:
Phone: 215-685-4646
Email: Birthto3El@phila.gov

*days to kindergarten vary based on your child’s birth date

Once your child enters school (public, charter, or virtual), they may be eligible for supports under IDEA or Section 504.

We help with:


• Requesting evaluations

• Understanding your rights

• Building an effective IEP
• Navigating 504 Plans
• Dealing with school discipline issues
• Addressing delays or denials from the school

In Pennsylvania, students may qualify for services until age 22.

When you're concerned about your child's learning, communication, behavior, or development—you can ask for an evaluation.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to:

• Request evaluations in writing (email works!)
• Participate fully in the evaluation process
• Receive timely responses and reports
• Disagree with conclusions and seek next steps

If it’s been more than 60 days since you signed consent and haven’t heard back—you’re not alone. Help is here.

Discipline is a serious concern. Parents and caregivers should pause and possibly seek help if: their learner is being sent home from school early; staff is contacting you about your learner’s behavior; your learner is telling you he/she/they are being taken out of the classroom and spending time somewhere else in the building; you are told your learner cannot participate in field trips or other extracurricular activities at all or without you being present. 

Help is Here!

Discipline in the form of suspension (of a certain number of days) or expulsion is very serious for a student with a 504 Plan or an IEP. There are very specific timelines and rules that a school/charter must follow when this level of discipline is being considered.

Because there are rules related to a student with a disability PLUS rules that apply to every student, please review the below chart. Reach out if any of the questions are a "YES" for your learner:

Students who Struggle can be supported in pre-school and Grades “K” – 12 in many ways.

Only two (2) support methods have legally enforceable requirements. These can be thought of as “formal” supports.

The two (2) formal supports are:

1. A written plan of accommodation. This can be called a Section 504 plan; or a Plan of Accommodation; or a Service Agreement. It must be discussed and explained to a family.
2. An Individualized Education Plan (an “IEP”). This is also written, and it also must be explained to a family

There are similarities and differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP. Both require a formal assessment. Both have legal requirements. Both must be implemented during school.

There are important differences. One of the biggest differences is that a child supported through a 504 Plan REMAINS in the General education (regular education) setting. The “instruction” is provided on grade level without modification to the content.

A student with an IEP requires “specially designed instruction”. This is instruction that is modified in content and delivered (in most cases) by a certified special education teacher. IEPS can also include components apart from academics such as: speech; occupational therapy; physical therapy; hearing support; vision support; behavior support; specialized transportation; and counseling

There are many “informal” supports that a school may be using. Sometimes parents are told about these supports sometimes they are not. Ask questions and you may hear things like:

MTSS ( multi tier system of support) / RTii ( response to instructional intervention) you should ask:

• Is this for reading, math, writing, behavior?
• What does this look like for my child each day?
• What is the name of the person (s) providing the support?
• How long will the support be in place and how will information be shared with me?

Tier 1 or Tier 2 Support- Ask the same questions as above

Behavior contract- What is my child “ agreeing “ to do/or not do under the contract?

• How do we know my child can meet the contract
• How is my child being supported to be successful under the contract and who are the staff that are helping my child