How long does early intervention take to start?

Federal rules require the evaluation, assessments and first IFSP meeting to happen within 45 days of the program receiving the referral, with limited exceptions such as a family being unavailable.

What happens when my child turns 3?

Early intervention ends at 3 in Utah and Idaho. From age 3, your school district is responsible for evaluating children who may need special education, including speech therapy, at no cost to you. A parent can request that evaluation, and it must be completed within 60 days of your consent, or within the timeline your state sets. In Wyoming, regional child development centers serve eligible children from birth to 5.

Can my child get early intervention and private speech therapy?

Yes. Early intervention and private therapy are separate, and families can use both. Some families start private therapy while they wait for an evaluation, or add sessions alongside their early intervention plan. If you do both, share goals between therapists so your child gets one consistent approach.

Do I need a referral to start with Articulink?

No. You can book a free consultation directly. We serve children ages 2 to 18 in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.

Early Intervention in Utah, Idaho & Wyoming

Q: What is early intervention?

Early intervention is a federally funded program, under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), that serves infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or conditions likely to cause one. Every state runs its own program.

Every state offers a free evaluation for babies and toddlers with possible delays. Here's how each program works and how to start.

What Is Early Intervention?

The short version

Early intervention is a federally funded program for children from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay, including a speech or language delay, or a condition likely to cause one. The evaluation is free, and federal rules require the first plan meeting within 45 days of a referral.

Sources: IDEA Part C regulations (34 CFR 303), ASHA

What to expect

✓A referral from you, your pediatrician, or anyone concerned about your child
✓A free evaluation to see whether your child qualifies
✓An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) if they do
✓Services built around your family's routines, often at home

Your State's Program

Program details from each state's own website

Utah

Baby Watch Early Intervention Program

Ages: Birth to 3
Cost: The evaluation is free. Services may carry a monthly family fee on a sliding scale set by family size and income.
How to start: A parent or a professional who is concerned about a child's development can make a referral to your local Baby Watch program.

Read Utah's Baby Watch fee policy (PDF) →

Sources: Utah Baby Watch fee policy, IDEA Part C regulations (34 CFR 303)

Idaho

Infant Toddler Program (ITP)

Ages: Birth to 3
Cost: Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare says services are provided at no cost to families.
How to start: Anyone can refer a child, and parents can apply directly through the Department of Health and Welfare's online form.

Refer or apply to Idaho's ITP →

Sources: Idaho Infant Toddler Program, Idaho ITP referral

Wyoming

Early Intervention and Education Program (EIEP)

Ages: Birth to 5
Cost: Free. Services are delivered through regional child development centers, which also serve eligible 3 to 5 year olds.
How to start: Contact the child development center for your region. The state's EIEP page lists them.

Find your Wyoming center →

Sources: Wyoming Department of Health, Wyoming EIEP for parents

Program details checked October 2026. Fees and processes change, so confirm with your state program.

Where Articulink Fits

Private therapy alongside, or instead of, state programs

Early intervention is a great first call for children under 3. Families also come to us while they wait for an evaluation, when they want more sessions than their plan includes, when their child doesn't qualify but they still have concerns, or after age 3. We see children ages 2 to 18, with no referral needed.

Not sure where your child stands? Try our free 5-minute screener or read what to do after a referral.

Early Intervention FAQ

Common questions about early intervention

Have Questions About Your Toddler's Speech?

Talk it through with a licensed speech-language pathologist in a free 15-minute consultation.

Book Free Consultation

15-minute call. No obligation.

Or call (855) 913-4333