Early Intervention: for Children Under the Age 3

Early Intervention is a federal and state-mandated program that provides services to support the development of infant and toddlers from birth to three years of age. In Hawaii, Early Intervention is managed by the Department of Health
Early Intervention Section

After Age Three

Under current regulations, Early Intervention services cease when a child turns 3 years old. Instead, Early Intervention children are required on their 3rd birthday to attend a Special Education Preschool that is run by the Hawaii Department of Education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows States to:

• Extend Early Intervention services to eligible children who are between 3 and 5 years of age. Source: 20 US Code Section 1435

This option maximizes parental choice, as it allows each parent to decide which option best meets the educational needs of their disabled child.

The State of Hawaii is considering legislation that would extend Early Intervention services to eligible children who are between 3 and 5 years of age.
In 2007, those bills are House Bill 531 and Senate Bill 1176.

Legislation Related to Early Intervention in Hawaii

2007 Session

• House of Representatives:
  • House Bill 531 amends early intervention services law to be consistent with the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

• Senate:
  • Senate Bill 1176 amends early intervention services law to be consistent with the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004.
    • Video of Senate Committee on Health hearing from 5 February 2007.

Media Coverage of Early Intervention Issues

• Moms find it's tough to change a law by Treena Shapiro, Honolulu Advertiser, Mar 12, 2006

Early Intervention Resources

Easter Seals Hawaii: Early Intervention

Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii