Strong Start provides free early intervention services and supports to eligible children birth to 3 and their families who are DC residents. Eligibility is based on an evaluation of the child’s developmental needs conducted by an early intervention specialist.
Families who are found eligible receive early intervention services and supports at no cost, regardless of their income, insurance, legal or employment status.
How to Submit a Referral
Families, caregivers, health care providers (such as a pediatrician), or other community members who have questions or concerns about the development of a child who is younger than the age of 3 can submit a referral to Strong Start.
Visit eip.osse.dc.gov or call (202) 727-3665 to submit a referral.
Eligibility
After a referral is submitted, a Strong Start specialist will follow up with the family to collect basic information, explain more about early intervention, answer questions and schedule an evaluation to determine whether the child is eligible for services. The evaluation is conducted by an early intervention specialist who will assess the child’s communication, motor, adaptive, cognitive and social-emotional development. If the evaluation finds that the child has a developmental delay of at least 25 percent in one or more areas, the family is eligible for Strong Start services. Children who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay or disability also qualify for services.
Eligible families will work together with their assigned early intervention team to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that identifies goals for the child and the services and supports a child will receive to reach those goals, based on the concerns and priorities of the family.
If the evaluation finds that the child is ineligible for Strong Start services, the family can still participate in Strong Start supports including playgroups hosted at local libraries and virtual family support groups. The family can also contact Strong Start any time in the future if they have further concerns.
Services
Strong Start provides year-round services that are voluntary, flexible and free. Early intervention services are provided in a child’s natural environment, such as their home, child development facility or a community setting such as the library and take place during the family’s daily activities and routines. Strong Start uses a coaching interaction style to build on the capacity of families and caregivers to help their child learn and develop. Coaching builds on what families are already doing and increases the family's confidence and comfort when helping their child. This approach is different from the in-clinic approach often used by hospitals, therapy centers and private therapists who accept prescriptions.
Get to Know Strong Start
Playgroups
Strong Start Playgroups take place regularly at DC public libraries and provide a family-centered, child-interest driven environment for children to interact with their same-age peers, while families receive information about early intervention related topics. Playgroups are facilitated by early intervention professionals, who provide families with information about their child’s development, early childhood developmental screenings, early intervention processes and community resources available to DC families. Any DC family with an infant or toddler can participate in Strong Start playgroups! Click here to learn more.
Virtual Family Support Groups
Virtual family support groups offer DC families an open, secure and judgement-free setting to discuss topics related to their child’s development and early intervention. Each group meeting has minimal “agenda items” and participants drive the conversation around a set topic. Virtual family support groups also provide an opportunity for participants to connect with resources and programs available to DC families. Click here to learn more.
Informational Materialsp
- Developmental Milestones: English | Español
- Strong Start Brochure: English | Español
- Strong Start Roadmap: English | Español
- Strong Start’s Early Intervention Approach: The Natural Learning Environment Practices (NLEP) Framework: English | Español
- The Primary Service Provider Approach to Teaming: English | Español
- Strong Start Family Newsletter
Related Content:
Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program (DC EIP)
Early Learning
Early Childhood Transition