From the Office of the Superintendent/ Interim Superintendent

Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life, such as: • physical (reaching, rolling, crawling, and walking); • cognitive (thinking, learning, solving problems); • communication (talking, listening, understanding); • social/emotional (playing, feeling secure and happy); and • self-help (eating, dressing).

Los Angelitos Early Childhood Service is an early intervention program that provides specialized services and supports to eligible children and their families from birth to 3 years of age, with identified developmental delays or who are at risk for delay. Los Angelitos is part of the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program.

*This program may have space available in the fall. Contact Los Angelitos for more information.

Parents often hear of the importance of playtime in preschool. Play is the foundation for all learning when it comes to young children. Play is how they begin to understand and process their world. Children’s play unlocks their creativity and imagination, and develops reading, thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as further develop motor skills.

In their first few years of life, young children acquire social and emotional skills such as regulating emotions, sharing with others, and following instructions. These skills lay the foundation for developing literacy, numeracy, and other cognitive abilities that are critical for success in school and life. Healthy social and emotional development is rooted in nurturing and responsive relationships with family members and other caregivers, including those who provide care in early learning settings. Early care and education professionals in child care and preschool classrooms are important partners in supporting social and emotional development, and ensuring that the youngest learners are ready for school and on the path to success.