Family Involvement

The involvement of families is a critical component for successful participation in our program. Families know their children best and can share information with early intervention staff about what is going on with each individual child. Families can also practice interventions in between service sessions to increase opportunities for their child to learn and improve skills.

Families can assist the Early Intervention Services system by providing feedback about their experiences in early intervention in many ways, including through their participation in the Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC). The PICC was established to support the Pennsylvania Early Intervention Services System Act, which mandates that each county establish and operate a Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) as a way for local families, service providers and agency representatives to share information, work together and ensure the availability of quality early intervention services.

The PICC:

Provides training for families with children in the early intervention system to help them understand their rights.
Shares thoughts and ideas on how effectively the early intervention services meet their families' needs.
Shares information with families on other social services available to them in our city.
Provides information to families on how to support their children during the transition into preschool services and from preschool to kindergarten.
Publishes a newsletter for families on what is happening in Philadelphia's Early Intervention System.
Works with other agencies that provide services to young children to make sure they have the support they need to include children with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in their programs.
Arranges a Family Fun Day so that early intervention families in Philadelphia can gather for a special day of fun, food and information.

Childcare, travel reimbursement and refreshments are provided at every PICC event, meeting and/or information session.

For more information about PICC or to find out dates and times for meetings and events, call 267.294.6065 or ask your service coordinator.

How to Request an Early Intervention Evaluation

Anyone who has a concern about a child's development can make a referral for a multi-disciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for services. Physicians, social workers, case managers and parents can start the process by calling the City of Philadelphia's Early Intervention Intake Department at 215.685.4646.

Infant Toddler Early Intervention During COVID-19 Tele-Intervention services are now available Services can be provided by phone or video. Early Interventions is a free, voluntary program that can help families who have concerns about a child’s development, learning, and behavior.

After a referral is made, a virtual Multidisciplinary Evaluation will take place. If found eligible for services, the family will be part of a team that develops an individualized family service plan.

To get started email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 215-685-4646.

We are focused on quality care for all participants and ensuring organizational preparedness, including our employee’s health and wellness. We are continuing to provide services to our clients and are ensuring extra preventive and precautionary measures are in place based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. If you have a specific question about CHILDLINK services, please contact 215.731.2100.