Early ACCESS is Iowa’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay typical development. Early ACCESS service providers work together with families and other caregivers to identify, coordinate and provide needed services and resources that help families assist their infants and toddlers in their growth and development. Early ACCESS is a partnership between families with young children and providers from the Iowa Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Health, and Child Health Specialty Clinics (signatory agencies). The role of early intervention is to support parents and families to help their children learn and grow throughout their everyday activities and routines.
A Family Guide to Early ACCESS
Learn more about Early ACCESS and how some families feel about the providers who assist them and their children by watching this video:
Eligibility Criteria
Before your child can be enrolled in Early ACCESS, s/he must be determined to be eligible. Early ACCESS is for an infant or toddler under the age of three years who:
- has a condition or disability that is known to have a high probability of later delays if early intervention services aren’t provided, or
- is already experiencing a 25% or greater delay in one or more areas of growth and development.
How to Make a Referral
Anyone can refer children under the age of 3 years to Early ACCESS including parents, family members, medical providers, childcare providers, and other service providers. If you are not a family member making a referral, be sure to have the family’s permission to do so. You can make a referral by directly contacting Great Prairie Area Education Agency (see contact information below) or through the Iowa Family Support Network: Make A Referral - Iowa Family Support Network