EARLY INTERVENTION
THERAPIES

EARLY INTERVENTION THERAPIES

MCFD provides early childhood intervention services to infants and young children who show signs of, or are at risk of having, a developmental delay or disability. These services are often tailored to the specific needs of each child with the goal of furthering development and enhancing the child’s potential for growth and development.

The EIT Program provides community-based occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and support services for eligible children – to optimize their growth and development from birth to school entry – and their families and communities.

The community-based EIT services include screening, referral, assessment, family education and support, service planning, direct therapeutic intervention, consultation, monitoring, transition planning to school and/or other services, and training of community members. EIT services are provided in home and in community settings, such as preschool and child-care centres. Click here to view PDF.

The Early Intervention Therapy Program Guidelines

Click here for information about the delivery of EIT services in B.C., including services offered to children and families and additional resources.

In addition to EIT services, health authorities provide public health speech and language services to preschool children – typically those with a primary speech delay who do not need occupational therapy or physiotherapy services. MCFD’s Provincial Office also has contracts with community and health agencies for the delivery of early intervention services for deaf and hard of hearing children, and specialized therapy services for children and youth with complex needs and clinical support for community-based therapists.