Early Intervention Program

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Early Intervention Program

The Early Intervention Program is intended for toddlers aged six months to three years-of-age and operates in accordance with Israel’s Rehabilitative Day Care Law (2000). The program provides rehabilitative services and comprehensive care to toddlers with developmental delays and/or autism during the first years of their development. Parents and other family members are a key part of this process and receive important training.

The activity schedule is based on numerous studies that assert the importance of early intervention in providing opportunities for the future. By serving these young children at an early age, they can acquire life-changing skills and achieve essential goals that might otherwise be impossible.

The program follows the same agenda as regular preschool education programs, but also incorporates professional therapies, including occupational, speech, and physical therapy. In addition, a nurse is available to attend to the children’s medical needs.

Classes for toddlers with autism operate according to an integrative developmental therapeutic method, based on the DIR model (Developmental Individual-Difference Relationship-Based) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

As part of the program, an emphasis is placed on the inclusion of the child’s parents and on providing them with personalized support.

The Placement Process

Placement of a child in the Early Intervention Program includes the following:

Request for diagnosis by the family’s HMO center for child development.
Request for recognition by the National Insurance Institute.
Submission of an Early Intervention Program placement request via the municipal social worker in the family’s city of residence.
A decision by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs stating that the ministry approves the placement in the Early Intervention Program.

During the evaluation stage, or upon its completion, parents are invited to visit the Early Intervention Program for an introductory meeting.

Referral Authorities and Supervisors

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs via the municipal department of social services; and the Ministry of Health.

Volunteer Activity

The program’s volunteers include private individuals, college students, national service volunteers, high school students, organized groups, and employee organizations. Activity is suited to the volunteer’s preferences and the program’s needs.

Potential volunteers are invited to contact us via one of the locations below.