EARLY INTERVENTION

            Early Intervention is for children 0 to age 2 who may have or be at risk for a developmental disability or delay. Early Intervention services are family-centered, community-based and responsive to the interests, priorities and needs of the family. Services are identified for each child and family through the development of an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services are provided in the home or Early Childhood Center by the County Board as we assist the family in meeting the unique needs of their child. Home visits, play groups and various therapies provided by licensed professionals are included in the array of services.

 

           Early Intervention is a component of the Help Me Grow system, a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of MRDD, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Health, the lead agency in the HMG system. The Family and Children First Council, made up of agencies that serve children and families and other service providers, directs the system in Belmont County.

 

A Guide to Your Child’s Development

           This guide from the Ohio Department of Health shows the normal signs of growth in a young child. Many children develop faster than this. Those who develop different than this may be children who have special needs now.

           If you have questions about your child’s development, contact the Help Me Grow (HMG) program in Ohio at 1-800-755-4769 or the Belmont County HMG office at 740-695-5000 for a free developmental screening or additional information.

One Month

ü      Raises head slightly off floor or bed when lying on stomach.
ü      Holds head up briefly when supported
ü      Briefly watches and follows object with eyes
ü      Avoids mildly annoying sensations (placement of cloth on face)
ü      Some “noise in throat” sounds

Two Months

ü      Holds head erect, bobbing, when supported in sitting position
ü      Follows moving person with eyes
ü      Imitates or responds to smiling person with occasional smile
ü      Vocalizes

Three Months

ü      Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach
ü      Vigorous body movement
ü      Head control is improving
ü      Recognizes bottle or breast
ü      Coos
ü      Chuckles

Four Months

ü      Good head control
ü      Rolls from side to side
ü      Takes object, such as a rattle, held near hand
ü      May begin reaching
ü      Following moving object when held in sitting position
ü      Laughs aloud
ü      Enjoys play

Six Months

ü      Sits with minimal support
ü      Rolls from back to stomach
ü      Transfers objects from hand to hand and from hand to mouth
ü      Babbles – more than 2 sounds.

Nine Months

ü      Sits alone – changes position without falling
ü      Plays with two objects at the same time
ü      Says Ma-ma – Ba ba

One Year

ü      Pulls self to standing – may step with support
ü      Picks things up with thumb and one finger
ü      Stacks 2 blocks
ü      Gives toys on request
ü      Gives affection
ü      Follows simple directions accompanied by gestures
ü      May say two or three words

Fifteen Months

ü      May walk without support
ü      Stacks 3 blocks
ü      Vocalizes – voice up and down sounds like conversation
ü      May say 4 or 5 words
ü      Some self feeding

Eighteen Months

ü      Walks – may run a bit
ü      Climbs up or down one step
ü      Likes pull toys
ü      Likes being read to
ü      Makes marks with crayon on paper or table
ü      Partially feeds self
ü      May say 5-10 words

Two Years

ü      Kicks large ball
ü      Turns pages (2 or 3 at a time)
ü      Imitates housework
ü      Recognizes familiar picture – knows if it is upside down
ü      Asks for items by name
ü      Uses two or three words together such as “more juice”