Teachers considering a career change: look into Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) is for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or disabilities or may be at risk. Instead of a school setting, everything is focused on working with families in real life, home routines, play, mealtimes, and everyday moments, to support development early on.

Depending on your state, the job might be listed as an Early Interventionist, Developmental Therapist, Developmental Specialist, or Service Coordinator.

The work is really hands-on and family focused. It can include developmental assessments, figuring out eligibility, helping build individual service plans (similar to IEPs), coaching caregivers during visits, coordinating services, and connecting families with resources and supports. You also work as part of an interdisciplinary team with other professionals like PTs, OTs, SLPs, and social workers, depending on the child’s needs.

It has been interesting learning how different it is from a classroom setting, but it still feels very rooted in child development and supporting families in a meaningful way.