Child development services are provided to children birth to three years old who are eligible for services through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Services typically consist of family education and support, early intervention therapies such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP) and/or specialized instruction.

1) Services are based on an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) whereby families identify their concerns and priorities, based on their child's strengths and needs.

2) Services are provided in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, including the home, neighborhood, or community settings in which infants and toddlers without disabilities participate.

3) Services assist the child and family to progress from early intervention services into the public school system and services or other appropriate services by facilitating family participation in the development of a transition plan prior to the child's third birthday.

Eligibility for services is not based on income. Eligibility is determined for children birth to six years of age by the existence of a developmental delay in the following areas:

• Fine or gross motor skills
• Expressive and receptive language
• Self-help skills
• Cognitive, academic, or problem-solving skills, and/or
• Social skills
• Children with Down Syndrome are also eligible.

The following links are helpful guides regarding typical child development

Developmental Milestones.  (46kb)

• Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Online
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention

If you are concerned about your child's development, you can get a free screening appointment by calling Spokane Regional Health District's - Infant Toddler Network at 509-324-1651.

Spokane County Community Services currently contracts with the following three children's agencies:

• Children FIRST
• Early Head Start
• Spokane Guilds' School and Neuromuscular Center

Last Modified On: 10/28/2008