What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Qualify for Early Intervention — or Loses Services in the New Model
Colorado’s Early Intervention (EI) program initiated changes beginning in 2025, with more statewide updates coming in 2026 and 2027. These updates will adjust how services are delivered, who qualifies, and the type and amount of support children receive.
Our team has worked with EI for over a decade collectively and continues to believe in its mission. But our first priority will always be your family — ensuring your child receives the services they need, whether that happens through EI or other available paths. If your child’s services are reduced or they no longer qualify under the new model, you still have options.
1. Understand the Evaluation and Eligibility Decision
If your child doesn’t qualify or services change:
Ask for a copy of the evaluation report.
Request a clear explanation of which skills or areas did not meet criteria.
Ask for specific recommendations on what you can work on at home.
2. Monitor Development Closely
Children develop quickly, and changes can happen in months — sometimes even weeks. Keep a log of:
New skills or milestones reached.
Any ongoing concerns.
Any skills that have slowed, stalled, or regressed.
If concerns grow, you can request a re-evaluation at any time.
3. Support Your Child Outside of EI
Even without EI, many families find strong support through:
Private pediatric therapies (occupational, physical, speech, feeding) — some accept insurance or offer flexible payment options. We offer sliding scale services and payment programs for out-of-network families. We also take insurance!
Community programs like library story hours, music or movement classes, and recreation department toddler activities.
Parent coaching programs that teach strategies for supporting development during everyday routines.
4. Create Learning Moments at Home
Your role as a parent is powerful. Daily routines are opportunities for learning and growth:
Narrate what you’re doing during meals, playtime, and outings.
Offer toys and activities that encourage problem-solving, movement, and social interaction.
Read together daily, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time.
5. Stay Connected to Your Pediatrician
Your pediatrician can:
Track development during well visits.
Provide referrals to private therapy or developmental specialists.
Document concerns to support future evaluations.
How We Can Help
We know navigating changes in EI can be overwhelming. Our role is to walk alongside you — not just as providers, but as partners in your child’s growth.
We can:
Explain evaluation results in plain language.
Help you identify next steps if your child’s services change.
Share trusted local resources, therapy providers, and parent support programs.
Support you in tracking progress and preparing for re-evaluations if needed.
Provide services to support you with our decade+ of Early Intervention experience, outside of the EI program.
Bottom Line:
Whether your child qualifies for EI, loses services in the new model, or needs support outside the program, there are still many ways to help them thrive. We believe in EI — but most of all, we believe in you and your child. You’re not alone in this journey.