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EI Resources

This page exists because you should never have to take my word for anything. Every resource here is one I used while building this site, or one that came up repeatedly in my research as genuinely trusted by the EI community.

Understanding Early Intervention

CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.

Free milestone tracking tools, developmental milestone checklists by age, and information on how to request an early intervention evaluation. The starting point for any parent with concerns about their child's development.

Zero to Three

A nonprofit dedicated entirely to healthy development of babies and toddlers. Research-backed, parent-friendly articles on development, behavior, and play from birth to age three. One of the most trusted names in the EI world.

IDEA Part C — Your Child's Legal Rights

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees free early intervention services for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Understanding your rights is one of the most important things you can do.

How to Request an EI Evaluation

You do not need a pediatrician's referral to request an early intervention evaluation. This page explains exactly how to start the process in your state. EI services are free.

Occupational Therapy

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

The national professional organization for occupational therapists. Includes parent-facing resources, explanations of what OT does, and a therapist finder tool.

NAPA Center

A pediatric therapy clinic with an extensive free blog covering fine motor, sensory, gross motor, and more — all written by practicing pediatric OTs and PTs. One of the most thorough free resources available.

The OT Toolbox

An OT-run blog with hundreds of free articles on fine motor, sensory processing, handwriting, and development. Excellent for understanding what your child's OT is working on.

Pathways.org

Created by pediatric PTs and OTs specifically for parents. Covers motor development milestones, tummy time, and play activities by age. Includes a milestone tracker tool.

Speech & Language

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

The national professional organization for speech-language pathologists. Includes milestone guides, a hearing and talking checklist, and a therapist finder tool.

Teach Me to Talk

Run by a speech-language pathologist specializing in early intervention. One of the most respected free resources for parents of late talkers and children with language delays.

Hanen Centre

Creators of the 'It Takes Two to Talk' program, widely used in early intervention. Parent-focused strategies for supporting communication development at home.

Zero to Three — Language & Literacy

Specific section of the Zero to Three site focused on communication development. Parent-friendly and research-backed.

Physical Therapy

Milestones and Motherhood

Run by a pediatric physical therapist. Covers gross motor milestones in detail, including what to watch for and when to advocate for an evaluation.

American Physical Therapy Association — ChoosePT

The APTA's public-facing resource. Includes information on gross motor development, when to seek PT, and a therapist finder.

Diagnoses & Conditions

AAC & Alternative Communication

ASHA — AAC Resources for Families

Plain language explanation of augmentative and alternative communication for families. Good starting point for understanding your options.

PrAACtical AAC

Blog run by AAC specialists. Covers implementation strategies and resources for families navigating AAC with young children.

I have no financial relationship with any resource listed on this page. These are simply the places I kept coming back to during research. If you know of a resource that should be here — especially one serving a community I haven't covered well — please reach out.

Page last reviewed: 2026