Early Intervention
Early Intervention for children from birth to three years of age
Our Early Intervention Program (EI) provides specialized services to children from birth up to three years of age who have an established diagnosis, a developmental delay, or are at risk for developmental delays. We are here as a resource for parents, doctors, care givers, and friends who are concerned about a young child’s development and would like to refer a child for services.
Our dedicated team of developmental specialists, nurses, therapists, and other professionals will first conduct a developmental assessment of the child in the family setting to determine eligibility. We are committed to working closely with families to develop a unique service plan to address the unique needs of each child. The EI Program provides many family-centered services designed to help babies and toddlers thrive, including:
- Developmental screenings and evaluations
- Occupational, physical, speech and language therapy
- Integrated toddler groups at the Center
- Sensory motor groups
- Parent/guardian-child groups
- Parent training and education
- Resource and referral service
- Bilingual community groups
EI Services are provided in family homes, childcare centers, community play groups, libraries, and the local zoo, in order to enable children to more easily participate in their everyday activities and to interact with their peers. Our toddler groups are held at the Center and are offered to typically developing children as well, to provide peer modeling as part of the enrichment experience for the children.
Our Early Intervention Program (EI) is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and services the following communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, and Wareham.
If you would like to refer a child for Early Intervention services, please choose 'Early Intervention' from the prompt when dialing the Center at 508-996-3391. For further information, contact Sharon Costa-Smith, Director of Early Intervention, 508-996-3391 x219 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
“The EI staff has proven, time and time again, that there are no limits in helping a child attain all of his/her potential. There are no mountains that the staff will not climb for a child, no limitations they will not overcome for a child, and no door they will not open… Each and every member of the EI staff represents the strong values maintained throughout the Schwartz Center for Children.” – Tricia, EI Parent
Schwartz Center for Children Privacy Notice
The Schwartz Center for Children is a partner agency of the United Way of Greater New Bedford 
