What is Early Support?

What is Early Support?

Early Support (formerly Early Intervention) encourages the growth, development, and learning of children birth to three years of age that are eligible for services. In Washington State, Early Support is called Early Support for Infants and Toddlers, or ESIT.

Through parent partnerships, and specialty therapy and support, babies learn basic and brand-new skills, such as:

physical (reaching, rolling, crawling, and walking)
cognitive (thinking, learning, solving problems)
communication (talking, listening, understanding)
social/emotional (playing, feeling secure and happy)
self-help (eating, dressing)

In Whatcom County, the Opportunity Council and Whatcom Center for Early Learning are the two providers of early support services. Both agencies have Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Specialized Instructors, and Family Resource Coordinators on staff that provide therapy support for children receiving Early Support services.

Start Services

If you wish to access services for your child or have questions about your child's needs, please get in touch with the SEAS LINE and/or send them a MESSAGE they will help you get a referral to Whatcom Center for Early Learning or another relevant agency based on your child's needs.

Fast Facts about Early Support

Sources: Masse, L. and Barnett, W.S., A Benefit Cost Analysis of the Abecedarian Early Childhood Intervention (2002);

Karoly et al., Early Childhood Interventions: Proven Results, Future Promise (2005);

Heckman et al., The Effect of the Perry Preschool Program on the Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills of its Participants (2009).

Source: The Zero to Three publications – a nonpartisan, research-based resource for federal and state policy makers

and advocates on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers.

To learn more about this topic or the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center, please check their website at www.zerotothree.org/policy.