Children start school at a designated chronological age, but differ greatly in their intellectual development and experience base. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time. 

In Columbia County, EIP services focus on reading and math. Students receiving EIP support are taught reading and/or math in a smaller group with explicit instruction designed to help students perform on grade level. 

In Columbia County, all students in kindergarten through 5th grade take a test at the beginning of the school year to determine their instructional needs. Instruction is then based on the results of the test. This test is on the computer and is often referred to as a universal screener. The test is designed to screen students for their academic needs. Essentially, every child in Columbia County receives education based on his/her needs. 

Students falling below grade level on the universal screening test will qualify for EIP support. Support looks very different for each student. Some students are pulled to work with a teacher in a small group, while others may receive additional  support in the regular classroom. Whatever the case, our goal is to ensure students learn and grow to their full potential.