Early Intervention Program
What is Early Intervention?
Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) is a program for children birth to age three who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. EI services are meant to help support families and caregivers and to enhance the development and learning of infants and toddlers through individualized, developmentally appropriate activities within the child’s and family’s everyday life.|
Who is eligible for services?
Any Massachusetts family with a child under three may be eligible for EI services if the child:
- Is not reaching age-appropriate milestones
- Is diagnosed with certain conditions
- Has a medical or social history which may put the child at risk for a developmental delay
What will my visit look like?
During your home visit, you, your child and an Early Intervention Specialist will work together to discover ways to practice skills during your daily activities. Your Early Intervention Specialist will learn about the things that your family does on a daily basis and what your priorities are to help you feel confident in learning new skills. Massachusetts Early Intervention uses research to guide our home visits and interventions.
Is there a cost?
There are no out-of-pocket costs associated with the Early Intervention program for eligible children and families.
How can I make a referral?
Children can be referred to the Aspire Early Intervention program by parents, pediatricians, caregivers, teachers, friends or other professionals. Anyone may also contact our program directly. We will arrange initial appointments with you to explain the program and determine if your family may be eligible for our services.
Early Education Program
What are the ages of the children enrolled in the Aspire Early Education program?
- We enroll children ages 15 months – 5 years (entering kindergarten).
- We offer a 5-day option (M-F); a 3-day option (MWF); or 2-day option (T & TH).
Is the program specifically for children experiencing developmental delays?
We are an inclusive early childhood center. Our goal is to recognize each child as an individual and enhance that child’s development based on the child’s interests and abilities. Our curriculum and daily activities will address the social, cognitive, language and motor development needs of each child, and will be adapted to meet the needs of the individual.
What kind of activities are offered to the students?
- We follow a curriculum that meets the Massachusetts Guidelines for Preschool Learning and Toddler Experiences, which is developed by the respective classroom teachers.
- We offer many enrichment opportunities both through in-house programming and in collaboration with community partners that include such topics as music, nutrition, STEM, art and movement to name just a few.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio? We follow all EEC ratio regulations.
Are staff trained in CPR and/or other health and safety measures? Yes! All staff members are CPR & First Aid certified.
How much does the program cost? Our private pay tuition for toddlers is $70 per day and preschool is $50 per day. We also accept EEC childcare vouchers.
Early Support Program
What is the focus of the Early Support Program?
The Early Support Program is an in-home service for pregnant women and new mothers who live in communities that face greater risks and barriers to achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes. Mothers who participate in this program will work closely with our team to set and achieve goals to enhance their parenting skills and improve their overall health and well-being.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Our focus is providing care and support for any pregnant, postpartum and parenting women in the community regardless of health insurance status or income—all are welcome to enroll in the program!
What kind of services/education are provided?
The focus of the Early Support Program is multifaceted and tailored to meet the individual needs of mothers/parents. Services include:
- Helping mothers connect to community resources and access assistance programs
- Education on healthy pregnancy, labor and birth, infant care, nutrition, child development and mother-baby bonding
- Guidance on treating post-partum depression
- Access to parent support groups and educational opportunities.
Is there a cost for the Early Support Program services?
All services are at offered at no cost to participants. You will never receive a bill for our services.
Who provides Early Support services?
The Early Support team is comprised of a developmental specialist, social worker/counselor and bi-lingual community health worker; nutrition and breastfeeding consultants are also available.
Is there support for mothers in recovery?
Yes! Aspire collaborates with several community partners to provide services and education for pregnant women and new mothers with substance use disorder, which focus on whole-person health. Aspire also works with women in area residential treatment programs for substance use disorder.
Can I receive services in the town where I live?
Our Early Support Program is available in Marblehead, Swampscott, Nahant, Salem, Lynn, Saugus, Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Middleton and Lynnfield.
I no longer need support, but I’d like continued information and support for my child. Now what?
All families that have participated in the Early Support Program are eligible for a referral to Aspire’s Early Intervention program for continued developmental support as your baby grows.
How can I make a referral for myself, friend or family member?
For referrals or more information, please contact Jen Jackson at jjackson@aspiredevelopmental.org or 781-593-2727.