DEL News

July 1, 2010
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program joins DEL from DSHS

OLYMPIA — The Department of Early Learning (DEL) today welcomes the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program to our agency.

The program, formerly known as the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program, coordinates statewide early intervention services for children birth to 3 years old with disabilities or developmental delays in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. The program was transferred from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in the 2010 state legislative session, under Senate Bill 6593, sponsored by Sen. Randy Gordon, D-Bellevue.

“I created the Department of Early Learning in 2006 to bring greater focus and better service to our state’s youngest learners,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “Bringing this program into DEL moves us that much closer to having a world-class early learning system that supports all children and families in Washington.”

“It makes sense to have this program at DEL—children with disabilities and development delays are, first and foremost, children,” DEL Director Bette Hyde said. “Our goal is to make sure this is a smooth transfer and that Washington children and families continue to receive excellent early intervention services.”

“I couldn’t be prouder that the very first bill I prime sponsored and got passed as a freshman state senator helped Early Support for Infants and Toddlers receive the focus it deserves,” Sen. Gordon said. “Investing in early learning and our children is the best investment we can make, paying academic and social dividends for years to come.”

Early intervention services during the first years can make a big difference in a child’s life. IDEA Part C services may include specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Early intervention services are designed to help children be active and successful in their homes, child care, preschool or school programs, and in their communities.

Washington receives about $8.5 million per federal fiscal year for the program. Services are delivered by regional providers under contract.

For more information about this program, visit www.del.wa.gov/esit

Families who have concerns about a child’s development should call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.


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The Department of Early Learning was created in 2006 to help all Washington children reach their full potential. DEL oversees the state-funded comprehensive preschool program, child care licensing, child care subsidies, and other initiatives and programs to support parents as children’s first and most important teachers. For more information, visit www.del.wa.gov.

For more information:

DEL Communications Manager Amy Blondin
360.725.4919 (office)
360.878.0628 (cell)
amy.blondin@del.wa.gov