Infants & Toddlers – Getting Help for a Child (Birth to Age 3)

The state of Maryland offers an Infants and Toddlers program to identify and support children with developmental delays. Each county has an Infants and Toddlers program (see contact information below) that will assess your child, provide ongoing services for your child and family (if eligible), and ensure that procedural safeguards are met to protect the rights of your child and family. Your child and family may be eligible for early intervention services if your child is under three years of age, and

• Has a delay of 25 percent or more in development; or
• Is developing in a way that is considered “atypical” for most children his or her age; or
• Has a diagnosed condition such as a genetic disorder or severe vision impairment that is likely to affect development.

Assessments and services for your child and family are FREE of charge. You do not need health insurance. You do not need a referral from your doctor. If your child is eligible for services, a coordinator will be assigned to your family. The coordinator will know the policies for early intervention programs and services in Maryland. The coordinator may also help you locate other services in your community, such as recreation, childcare, or family support groups. Your family and the coordinator will work with other professionals to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP will describe the following: your child’s development levels; family information; the major outcomes expected to be achieved for the child and family; the services the child will be receiving; when and where he or she will receive these services, and the steps to be taken to support his or her transition to another program. The IFSP will identify the service coordinator. The IFSP may also identify additional services the family may be interested in, such as financial information or information about raising a child with a disability.

If you suspect that your child has a delay or if your child has been diagnosed with a condition that could affect his or her development, call your local Infants & Toddlers office as soon as possible.

Local Infants & Toddlers Programs (by county)

Other Contact Information

Maryland State Infant and Toddler Program
Phone: (800) 535-0182
MD Relay: (800) 735-2258

Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-0100 or 888-246-0016
info.msde@maryland.gov