Infant and Toddler Intervention Services

Minnesota's Infant and Toddler Intervention system is a partnership between the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and families with young children, ages birth to three. Families who have an eligible infant or toddler with developmental delays, disabilities, or certain diagnosed conditions work together with local service providers to access services and resources to help their child grow and develop.

Minnesota children from birth to three-years-old who are eligible for the Help Me Grow program can receive services in their home, child care setting or school. These services are free to all families regardless of income or immigrant status.

Early childhood specialists will work with eligible children and families to plan the services and supports they need. These may include:

• Special instruction and other services, such as speech, physical and occupational therapy;
• Ways that a family can support their child’s development at home; and
• Connections to community services and programs.

Early childhood specialists can help find other community resources and early childhood programs for those children not eligible for Help Me Grow.

Who Is Eligible?

Young children with developmental delays or with certain diagnosed physical or mental condition or disorder with a high probability of resulting in a delay, regardless of whether the child is currently demonstrating a need or delay. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Hearing or vision loss
• Infants born at < 3 lbs 5 oz
• Sickle cell disease
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Spina bifida
• Down syndrome
• Infant depression
• Cerebral palsy

Click here for more information on eligibility.

Available Services

Services are based on the child and family's needs and priorities. Parents are essential team members in the decision-making process of identifying services for their family. Core services at no cost to the family include:

• Identification and referral
• Screening
• Evaluation
• Assessment
• Service coordination
• Early Childhood Special Education and related services (i.e. transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech services)

Additional services may include:

• Assistive technology
  
• Audiology technology
  
• Family education and counseling
• Health services (during intervention)
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Psychological services
• Respite care
• Social work
• Transportation and related costs
• Vision services
  

Who Can I Contact For More Information?

	For more information on Help Me Grow early intervention, to locate your local early intervention office or to request a referral, call 1-866-693-4769.
	You can also search our on-line Early Childhood Services Directory for the local Help Me Grow early intervention contacts in your county.
	For questions regarding diagnosed conditions and eligibility, contact the program coordinator at 651-201-3641.
	Contact the MCSHN Information and Assistance Line at 1-800-728-5420 or 651-201-3650 for any assistance regarding services that might be available for you and your family.

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If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact the Minnesota with Special Health Needs Section at health.mcshn@state.mn.us or call 1-800-728-5420.