Most children grow and learn at a similar pace. If a child is not developing at or about the same rate as other children, that child may be experiencing a developmental delay. Early intervention is a coordinated, family-focused system of resource access, supports and services for eligible infants and toddlers, ages birth to 3 years who have developmental delays or who are predisposed to developmental delays because of a medical diagnosis, i.e. spina bifida, cerebal palsey, etc. Early Intervention works to identify the special needs of a child and coordinates an individualized plan of services to meet those needs.

CSP Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through agencies in their local communities. Head Start takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of young children with four major components: Education, Social Services, Health, and Parent Engagement. Head Start supports the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social services, and other services.

Infants or toddlers with delays in motor, cognitive, adaptive, communication, social and/or emotional development may qualify for Early Intervention services.

The following are used when determining a child's eligibility for services: a general developmental assessment of the child's abilities; a parental interview in which parents can voice concerns about their child's delay(s); a review of the child's health/medical records; assessments by specialists in the areas of concern.

​A network of professionals offer services at no cost to the family with some exceptions.