The Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) Division supports infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years) with developmental delays or risk conditions by providing family-centered evaluations and in-home developmental services to promote early learning and independence.

The EI Division delivers both statewide oversight and direct services through affiliated providers to support early childhood development:

• State-managed referral, eligibility evaluation, and service coordination processes
• In-home and community-based developmental support using caregiver routines
• Coaching for parents to apply learning strategies in everyday life
• Group-based enrichment (e.g., music, speech, motor play) delivered by qualified specialists
• Professional development and technical assistance for EI staff

EI is available across the entire Commonwealth through regional affiliates:

• Statewide coordination by the Boston office
• Providers operating in every county, including Worcester

EI serves:

• Children under age 3 with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions
• At-risk infants and toddlers and their families, regardless of income

The Division and its providers are visible through official and community channels:

• Listings on Mass.gov and statewide healthcare sites
• Outreach via pediatricians, childcare settings, and schools
• Informational brochures available in multiple languages
• Public events and provider engagement with family groups

EI funding combines federal and state sources for comprehensive support:

• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) funding through Massachusetts DPH
• Federal IDEA Part C support
• Billing through Insurance when appropriate
• State grants for training and technical assistance

• Thom Child & Family Services (Worcester area)
• Criterion Child Enrichment (Worcester EI affiliate)
• Pernet Family Health Service
• Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC)
• Additional regional providers listed via MassFamilyTIES directory

Most Significant / Surprising Fact

There are no out-of-pocket costs for families participating in Early Intervention. Services, evaluations, and therapy are provided at no cost, ensuring equal access for all eligible children.

Training Required for Staff Positions

Professionals typically need licensure (e.g., OT, PT, SLP, social work, mental health) and EI-specific onboarding

Experience and Education Required for Hiring of Staff

Experience working with young children and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary settings

Training Requirements / Opportunities for Staff

Ongoing professional development, state-led training sessions, and supervisor mentorship programs

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Early Intervention Division. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.mass.gov/orgs/early-intervention-division 
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.). About Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI). Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-massachusetts-early-intervention-ei 
• Criterion Child Enrichment. (n.d.). Worcester Early Intervention Network. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.criterionchild.com/index.php/programs/early-intervention/33 
• Thom Child & Family Services. (n.d.). Worcester Area Early Intervention. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.thomchild.org/locations/worcester-area-early-intervention/ 
• Pernet Family Health Service. (n.d.). Pernet Family Health Service. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.pernetfamilyhealth.org/ 
• Family TIES of Massachusetts. (n.d.). What Is Early Intervention? Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://massfamilyties.org/early-intervention/