Serving Young Children and Families

The Need:

Over 9 million, or 12.8 percent, of children in the United States have a special health care need, affecting one in five households. Nationwide, fewer than half of the children under age 3 with disabilities and delays who qualify for early intervention services are enrolled, and the percentage is worse in low-income communities. This is disturbing because over 50 percent of children who receive treatment early in life will enter school without ever needing special education services.

Learn about early intervention services.

Children need to be diagnosed early, and they need access to services as soon as possible for the best outcomes. Parents need to know how and where to obtain the resources and services that can make a difference in the lives of their children. Doctors must know how to advise parents. Therapists in the field of disability services must understand and use best practices, based on real world successes. And our communities need to support children and families as they seek a future of hope and achievement.

Easter Seals Can Help

Learn about Easter Seals child development centers
The ABCs of choosing child care
Nationwide directory of child development centers
Choosing quality child care for a child with special needs

Easter Seals’ Vision

Easter Seals is working to create a world where:

• Each child born with a disability is given the support necessary to participate fully in life and to have dreams and hopes, successes and achievements.
• Parents of a newly-diagnosed child with a disability are aware of the services and resources available to them and get unimpeded access to all necessary services.
• Children with disabilities are recognized by all as having vital contributions to make to our society.
  Communities value and support children with disabilities and their families.
• Access to appropriate child care is available for children with special needs.
• Families benefit from innovations and new technologies that help children with disabilities be as independent as possible.