SPECIAL NEEDS - EARLY INTERVENTION
The Special Needs and Early Intervention work of the Build Initiative aims to link quality early care and education programs with health and other services to meet the needs of children with special needs. Nationally, between 8 to 16% of young children have some special developmental or behavioral needs that will compromise their healthy development unless addressed through concerted, intensive, and individualized responses. These special needs can be physical, developmental, behavioral, or environmental. In addition to children with developmental or behavioral concerns, one child in ten has a physical condition that requires ongoing treatment and can limit their involvement in physical activities.
Despite existing resources and efforts, families with special needs children face enormous challenges. More than one in twenty young children will come to the attention of the child welfare system before they reach school age, and these children are among the most vulnerable to starting school behind their peers.
Special Needs and Early Intervention Sections:
