Every child grows and learns new skills at his or her own pace.
Children can vary in skills and development. If you have concerns about your child’s development, early intervention can help.
The Guidance Center provides Early Intervention services for children birth to age 3 with a developmental delay or disability. Parents participate in activities. Services are offered in McKean, Cameron, Elk, Warren and Potter Counties.
Services may be provided during the child’s daily activities at home or in the community, at child care centers, preschools, play groups and Head Start programs.
Services are provided by a team of specialists including Early Intervention Specialists, Speech and Hearing Specialists, licensed Physical Therapists, licensed Occupational Therapists, and licensed Speech and Language Pathologists.
Services Provided
- Assistive technology
- Audiology or hearing services
- Vision services
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Educational activities
- Referrals for medical, nursing, nutrition, psychological or other services as needed
- Support and developmental information for parents and caregivers
How To Access Services
- Contact your county Early Intervention Service Coordinator.
- Cameron/Elk (814) 772 – 8016
- McKean (814) 975 – 1221
- Potter (814) 544 – 7315
- Warren (814) 726 – 2100
- A brief screening will be conducted. If concerns are identified, an evaluation will be scheduled.
- If your child qualifies for services, you may request a list of Early Intervention providers in your county and select the provider of your choice.
- If your child has a delay but does not qualify for services ask the county Early Intervention Service Coordinator about Early Head Start, Parents As Teachers or other programs that may benefit your child and your family.
Typical Developmental Milestones
6 Months
- Knows familiar faces, smiles, makes cooing
sounds - Lifts head, begins to roll over, holds toy briefly
- Likes to watch their own hands and looks at
things around them - Wants to try new foods, excited about being fed
- Can bring both hands to center, plays with toes,
holds head up and rolls
1 Year
- Rolls a ball, looks for dropped toys
- Likes to play with a toy, can use a cup with help
- Sits up, creeps or crawls, pulls up to stand
- Says and understands a few words
- Starts to stand alone
18 Months
- Kicks a ball, is starting to run
- Does things they see others do
- Takes off some clothes
- Puts things in a box
- Uses a cup and spoon
2 Years
- Speaks several words together
- Feeds self with spoon and drinks from cup
- Points to body parts when asked
- Walks up and down stairs
- Likes to hear stories, plays alone for short time
3 Years
- Enjoys pretending with toys and adults
- Easily picks up very small objects
- Uses three word sentences
- Enjoys playing with children but may be shy
- Puts on coat, shoes and hat