{"id":57644,"date":"2025-03-26T17:06:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T17:06:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/?post_type=first-things&p=57644"},"modified":"2026-02-04T23:26:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T23:26:01","slug":"early-intervention","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/es\/first-things\/early-intervention\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting children through the power of early intervention"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Megan and Pat noticed their infant son, Cooper, wasn\u2019t meeting common developmental milestones, they weren\u2019t sure where to turn. Like many parents, they did their best to navigate the unknown while tuning into their child\u2019s unique needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cooper was later diagnosed with left hemiplegia and cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination. For Cooper, this meant he relied primarily on the left side of his body\u2014his right hand often clenched and stiff, and crawling didn\u2019t come easily. Instead, he found his way to move by scooting around on his bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recognizing early that something was different, Megan and Pat began looking for answers. Finding a primary care provider who could confidently guide them through this experience wasn\u2019t easy. But like many modern parents, Megan turned to online communities to hear from other families. One recommendation kept coming up again and again<\/span>\u2014<\/span>early childhood intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is early intervention?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)<\/span><\/a> is Arizona\u2019s statewide interagency system of services that supports families with children from birth through age 2 with developmental delays or disabilities.<\/span> Through AzEIP, Megan and Pat received support from a specialist who helped them understand Cooper\u2019s strengths and challenges. Together, they created an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to guide his therapy and support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A team-based approach to support<\/span><\/h2>\n

Early intervention laid the foundation, but Cooper also benefited from additional therapies covered through their private insurance, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. Megan and Pat stayed involved and proactive every step of the way, advocating for the care that best suited Cooper\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n