If you’re concerned your young child may have a developmental delay or learning and attention issues, you may be curious about the Early Intervention Program. Early Intervention can help infants and toddlers make big strides. SLC also believes that Early Intervention is the key to a fully functional child.
What is the Early Intervention Program (EIP)?
Early Intervention is another word for ‘start early’. It addresses children who are ‘at risk’ of not reaching or maintaining their milestones between birth to 3 years old. The EIP is an essential program as it provides appropriate therapy to the child between birth to 3 years - ‘the golden age for development’, as this is the period when the child can grow and learn at a fast pace.
The EIP also focuses on empowering families who are "the primary caretakers" with home therapy skills. These skills help the child to obtain the neccessary age appropriate physical, language, social, emotional and cognitive skills.
Who can join the Early Intervention Program (EIP)?
Early intervention is catered for children from birth to age 3. You may be a parent seeking for help or have received a referral by a pediatrician, child developmental doctor, neuro-pediatrician or clinical psychologist. To join this program, your child must have experienced either:
If you have concerns about your baby or toddler, you can contact SLC to know more about the Early Intervention Program or whether your child qualifies to join the EIP program.
Who & What are the roles of the professionals involved in the EIP?
The team of professionals that will be involved with your child are:
Speech and Language Therapist
Physio Therapist
Nutritionist
Audiologist and Ophthalmologist for vision and hearing test
How does the Early Intervention Program (EIP) work?
EIP works on collaboration between the therapist and the family of the child, focussing on reaching the child's appropriate milestones in the shortest time possible.
After assessment, the parent and child are scheduled to meet once in a month with one therapist. A home program with activities is given to the parents. They are also taught on how to perform these activities at home. A checklist along with a communication book is given to keep track on the childs progress on a daily basis at home. In the monthly meetings there is an ongoing assessment to check the progress of the child.
This program works best with the active involvement of the parent or primary caregiver.
Why are parents or primary caregiver an important part of the EIP program?
What areas does Early Intervention Program focuses on?
The early intervention program focuses on the following areas:
What if my child is already 3 years and above?
If your child is already 3 years and above and have not got any help, you can contact us.
Once your child is 3 years and above, the clinical psycologist and the other team will perform various assesments to identify the readiness of your child to enroll in SLC’s school services or attend therapy services first, which is 1:1. You will always be informed regarding your child’s progress and what programs would suit him/her best to support his/her growth to the best.