Phila.gov
Children’s Services
DBHIDS understands the earlier we provide supports, the faster we are able to provide professional care as a community, and assist children in participating in their communities. We do this by partnering with city agencies, including the criminal justice, housing, school, and child welfare systems, as well as the general public with behavioral health issues, the faster we are able to provide professional care as a community.
This requires paying attention to social determinants of health, which include the availability of support, experiences of trauma, access to behavioral health care, educational and economic opportunities, and the social and physical environment. We do this by partnering with city agencies including the criminal justice, housing, school, and child welfare systems, as well as the behavioral health treatment system and the general public.
Early Intervention Services
The Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program is an entitlement program for infants and toddlers between the ages of birth to 3 years of age who have or are at risk for having a developmental delay. IDS coordinates this program in Philadelphia County and reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning who also provides the funding for this program. Anyone can make a referral to Early Intervention and all referred children will receive a developmental assessment and many will also receive a multidisciplinary evaluation. Eligible children will be assigned a service coordinator and all Early Intervention Services are delivered at no cost to the family.
- Learn More About the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (see below)
Transition Planning
The purpose of Transition Planning for individuals with an intellectual disAbility, is to facilitate a successful transition for young people from school to adult life. While it is essential that transition planning occur for all students 14 and older, there are things families can do to prepare their child for a successful transition throughout the various stages of their lives.
Learn More About the Various Resources Available
Visit the IDS Resources Page to learn about the additional array of resources available for children with intellectual disabilities.
The Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program is an entitlement program for infants and toddlers between the ages of birth to 3 years of age. Anyone can make a referral to Early Intervention. All referred children will receive a developmental assessment, and many will also receive a multidisciplinary evaluation. All eligible children will be assigned a service coordinator, and all Early Intervention Services are delivered at no cost to the family.
What You Need
The following information is needed in order to make a referral to the Infant Toddler Early Intervention program:
- child’s first and last name
- parent’s first and last name
- parent’s address and phone number
- child’s date of birth
- child’s gender
- the medical assistance number (if receiving MA)
- and the child’s Social Security number (if known)
Regular Developmental Screening
Children who are evaluated and determined not eligible for services may be eligible for at-risk tracking if they meet the following criteria:
- birth weight under 3.3 pounds
- NICU graduate
- elevated blood lead level
- referral from the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services
- prenatally exposed to substances
- experiencing homelessness
Children who are followed in the “at-risk” tracking program receive regular developmental screenings until age three. A case will be opened for every child who meets any of the at-risk criteria.
Children who are ages 3-5 that have developmental delays are served in the Preschool Early Intervention Program. In Philadelphia this program is called Elwyn ELS. To make a referral to the Elwyn ELS program call 215-222-8054.
For additional information about IDS’ Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program, please call the program intake line at 215-685-4646 or email Birthto3EI@phila.gov.
The mission of the Philadelphia Transition Coordinating Council shall be to plan and facilitate successful movement of students with disabilities from school programs to adult life. The Council supports Employment First where competitive employment in the community is the first and preferred option for all transition age youth.
Learn more about the Philadelphia Transition Coordinating Counsel here
