Early Intervention Program

• Overview
• Internships
• Internship Materials
• Site Descriptions

Overview

Program Description

The URI Department of Human Development and Family Science, in collaboration with Rhode Island College, has developed a comprehensive plan to increase the number of qualified staff members in the field of Early Intervention (EI) and in careers involving children with special health care needs (CSHCN). The project is funded by the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services  through the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, at Rhode Island College. For more information on Early Intervention Services in Rhode Island, visit the Sherlock Center’s Early Intervention webpage.

What is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention is a voluntary, family-centered program that provides early identification, services, and supports to eligible infants and toddlers and their families. Early Intervention works with families whose children are experiencing developmental delays, have certain diagnosed conditions, or whose circumstances may result in significant developmental delays. The purpose of Early Intervention is to enable young children to be active and successful participants during the early years and in the future in a variety of settings-in their homes with their families, in child care, in preschool programs, and in the community. Please visit Rhode Island’s  Early Intervention website for more information.

You can also learn more about what EI specialists do by watching the following video:

What Early Intervention Can (And Should) Look Like

 

Internship Outcomes

Since the inception of the grant in 2006, over 200 interns have been placed at various EI and CSHCN sites throughout Rhode Island. As of May 2022, 30 of these students have found permanent positions as a result of their internship.

Classroom Presentations

Recruitment efforts include classroom presentations to students in related disciplines to inform them of the availability of internships and career paths in the fields of EI and CSHCN. Students and educators have found this incredibly helpful in educating students regarding possible career interests. Our presentations are approximately 30 minutes in length, including a Q & A session, but can be tailored to fit your class schedule. Please contact our office to schedule a presentation. If you know of potential students interested in an EI internship, please  have them contact our office directly.