The EI program provides services to infants and toddlers under the age of three who have a qualifying medical diagnosis or developmental delays. These services include evaluations, parent coaching, community playgroups/events, and PLAY autism intervention. Each infant/toddler also has access to an EI team which includes developmental specialists, speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and more.
For more information on Early Intervention services or submitting referrals to the EI program, click on any of the links below.
Fill out the form below with your name and contact information (not the child's) to be contacted by one of our Help Me Grow staff. You may also call us at (740) 775-3598.
If you are a physician and would like to make a referral for Early Intervention services, you may contact us at 740-775-3598, 800-755-4769, or fax your referral to (740) 773-8052.
If you are emailing the referral, please provide the child's name, parent/guardian name, address contact number(s) and area(s) of concern. Always remember to protect personal health information by sending encrypted email to helpmegrow@rossdd.org.
Services are available to children who are determined eligible for Early Intervention Services due to a qualifying medical diagnosis or due to developmental delays. This approach recognizes that you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You will be supported by a team that includes Early Intervention Specialists also known as Developmental Specialists, an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Therapist and a Physical Therapist. Each of these team members has extensive knowledge of infant – toddler development.
Your team will offer regular visits at your home, daycare, or other community setting most appropriate to meet your goals. The team will show you how to use everyday routines and preferred activities to foster your child’s development and to expand your child’s opportunities for learning throughout the day. The Early Intervention team will actively monitor progress and collaborate to offer updated recommendations and support regularly.
Sounds Around
Sounds Around is a community based music program in partnership with the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library for children and their families from birth to 5 years of age. This 30 minute weekly session provides opportunities to stimulate your child’s development through playful music and movement activities. Sounds Around is located at the Main Library Annex on Tuesdays. Fall session lasts 8 weeks (September and October). Winter/Spring session lasts 16 weeks (January-April). There are three sessions that begin at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am. There is no registration for this group and it is free to the public.
Summer Play Date
Summer Play Date is a community based group designed for parents and children to gain the skills they need physically, socially, cognitively, emotionally, and creatively through music and art. This group is offered to children from birth to 5 years of age, of all abilities, to support inclusion efforts of children with developmental disabilities. All activities are optional and children will have opportunities for: Developing language and fine motor skills; strengthening physical skills; enhancing self-esteem; forming friendship skills; gaining self-control; discovering their world; and getting ready for success in school, work, and life. Meeting dates and time of the group are determined each year.
Stretch and Swim
Stretch and Swim is a community based group that offers parents and children opportunities to play together in the water while learning mobility and safety skills with the support of Pioneer Center staff. This class is offered to all children from birth to 5 years of age, of all abilities, to support inclusion efforts of children with developmental disabilities. All activities are optional and children/parent(s) will have opportunities for: Getting body wet during play at a child’s pace; achieving happiness during activities; releasing tense muscles; blowing bubbles with mouth; putting face in water; kicking and wiggling legs; moving arms; positioning comfortably on front/back/vertically; staying near parent in water; moving intentionally towards target; and fun play in water. No experience is required for this group and it is required that each parent/guardian supervise their child.
