What We Do

Since every child develops at a different pace, some need more help to learn.

The first three years of a baby's life are very important. Infants and toddlers are learning to walk, talk, recognize people and do many other things. Since every child develops at a different pace, some need more help to learn. Early intervention means starting to work with children at a very young age. By doing this, a learning environment is created. The children will begin to develop the skills they will need for the rest of their lives!

The Infant & Toddler Connection of the Heartland is the local early intervention system for 7 counties in South Central Virginia. The 7 counties in Planning District 14 (pdf) are:

• Amelia
• Buckingham
• Charlotte
• Cumberland
• Lunenburg
• Nottoway
• Prince Edward

Longwood University serves as the local lead agency for implementation of the Part C program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families who live in PD 14. The Infant & Toddler Connection has coordinated early intervention services in the PD 14 area since 1985 and has been funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

For more information about early intervention, you can also visit the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia's website at http://www.infantva.org.

What is an Early Intervention Program?

Early intervention programs provide supports and services for children ages birth to 3 years old and their families so that families can help their child learn during everyday activities and routines. 

Who Needs Early Intervention Programs?

Most children learn to do things at about the same age.  Some children develop at a slower pace than other children.  Other children may learn in different ways.  Early intervention helps children with all kinds of special needs.  Some children may have a delay in only one area of development, like walking or talking.  Some children may have more general overall delays in their development.  Other children may need specific help related to a vision or hearing difficulty.