As children grow, they reach developmental milestones such as smiling, rolling over, sitting, babbling, crawling, walking, and talking. These milestones provide a general guide to your child's development and are routinely monitored during well-child visits with your pediatrician.

While there is a typical age range for reaching these milestones, every child develops at their own pace. Some children may master new skills earlier, while others may take a little more time. If you ever have concerns about your child's development, discussing them with your pediatrician is an important first step.

Early Intervention (EI) is a system of supports and services available for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect their development. Services are individualized to meet each child's unique needs and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental instruction, and other specialized supports.

The first three years of life are a period of rapid brain development, making early support especially effective. Identifying concerns early and providing appropriate intervention can help children build important skills, participate more fully in everyday activities, and reach their fullest potential.

Every state and U.S. territory offers an Early Intervention program, although the program name, eligibility requirements, referral process, and available services may vary. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak with your pediatrician and search for your state's Early Intervention (EI) program to learn about available services and how to request an evaluation. Seeking an evaluation does not necessarily mean your child has a developmental delay—it is simply an opportunity to better understand your child's strengths, identify any areas where additional support may be beneficial, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive.