| What Is Strong Start?Strong Start is DC’s Early Intervention (EI) program for children birth to three years old. Strong Starts accepts referrals for any child under 2 years 10.5 months of age if there are concerns about their development. Strong Start evaluates, determines eligibility, and provides services for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that infants and toddlers with disabilities receive services early enough to make a difference. These services must be flexible and meet the needs of the child and family. Strong Start uses the primary service provider (PSP) model to provide early intervention services to children. Families work with a main early intervention provider who is the primary provider on a child’s team. The goal of the PSP is to increase parents’ confidence in supporting their child’s learning and development. More information on the PSP model is available in English and Spanish. If you would like to refer an infant or toddler to Strong Start, you can complete this online referral form. Anyone may refer a child between the ages of 2 years 8 months and 5 years 10 months to Early Stages for a screening. For younger children, refer to Strong Start DC. For older children enrolled in DCPS or charter schools, contact the child’s school. For older children enrolled in private or religious schools, refer to the DCPS Central IEP Team. If you have any questions about where to refer, contact Early Stages.Our WorkshopsEarly Stages offers free parent and professional workshops on many early childhood topics. Organizations may contact education@earlystagesdc.org to book group workshops. Individuals may attend one of our public workshops. Professionals may also sign up through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). |
