Early Intervention (Ages 0-3)
For Families in Franklin County
Support for your child's development starts early.
If you have concerns about your baby or toddler’s development, you’re not alone. That's where Early Intervention comes in. It connects families with support during the most important years of a child’s growth.
Cadence Care Network is a contracted service coordination provider for Ohio Early Intervention in Franklin County, helping families access services for children under age three with developmental delays or disabilities.
How Early Intervention Helps
Early Intervention focuses on helping children learn and grow through everyday routines like playtime, mealtime, and family interactions. Because children learn best in familiar environments, services take place in your home or other everyday settings, like childcare.
With the right support early on, children can build important skills in:
Communication and language
Movement and coordination
Social and emotional development
Learning and problem-solving
What is Ohio Early Intervention?
Ohio Early Intervention is a statewide program that supports infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays or disabilities. Services take place in your home or other familiar settings and focus on helping your child learn and grow through everyday routines like playtime and mealtime.
In Franklin County, you'll work with a local team, including a service coordinator and service providers, to create a plan that fits your child’s needs and builds on their strengths. Early Intervention also connects families to helpful resources and guidance. The program is guided by Help Me Grow, an evidence-based initiative from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth that supports healthy development through early care, education, and parent support.
Who Is Eligible for Early Intervention Services at Cadence?
Live in Franklin County
Services are available to families residing
in Franklin County, Ohio.
Are ages 0 to 3
Infants and toddlers from birth
up to age three may be eligible.
Have developmental delays or concerns
Children with a diagnosed delay, medical condition, or developmental concerns may qualify.
Getting started is simple. You don't need a diagnosis to make a referral, and anyone can make one, including parents and caregivers.
What We Do
Cadence provides service coordination, which means guiding families through every step of Early Intervention.
Your service coordinator will:
Help determine eligibility and complete the intake process
Work with you to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Connect you with local providers and resources
Coordinate services and track progress
Support your family from enrollment through your child’s transition at age three
Throughout the process, you remain at the center. Your team builds services around your child and your family's daily life.
Why Start Early?
The first three years of life are critical for brain development. Early support can:
Improve long-term outcomes
Strengthen family confidence
Reduce the need for more intensive services later
Across Ohio, families are using Early Intervention to support their child's development. And many are seeing real progress along the way. Hear from families who have experienced Early Intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio Early Intervention?
Ohio Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides services and support for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays or disabilities. Guided by Help Me Grow, an evidence-based initiative from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, the program helps families support their child’s development through everyday routines like playtime and mealtime. Services take place in familiar settings such as your home or childcare and are designed to meet your child’s needs while supporting your family.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Anyone can make a referral, including parents, caregivers, or professionals.
Where do services take place?
Services typically happen in your home or another place where your child spends time, like childcare.
What happens when my child turns three?
As your child approaches age three, your service coordinator will help create a transition plan. This may include connecting your child to preschool special education services through your local school district or other community-based supports to ensure continued progress.
What does a service coordinator do?
A service coordinator is your main point of contact throughout Early Intervention. They help guide your family through the process, coordinate evaluations and services, and connect you with local providers and resources. They also provide support with parenting strategies and home safety, and make sure your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is working and updated as your child grows.
How much does it cost?
Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families. The program is funded through a combination of federal and state resources, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), along with other public funding sources. As a result, eligible children can receive support regardless of a family’s income.
What is an IFSP?
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a plan created with your family that outlines your child’s developmental goals and the services that will help reach them. It focuses on your child’s strengths and your family’s daily routines, and is reviewed regularly to track progress and make updates as needed.
Looking for more information about Early Intervention?
Visit the Ohio Department of Children & Youth website to learn more about services, eligibility, and what to expect.