Record Enrollment in Pennsylvania’s Early Intervention Programs

In classrooms across Dunmore, young children engage in activities like practicing letter sounds, solving puzzles, and role-playing in a play kitchen. These activities aren’t just for fun—they’re part of a growing early intervention initiative supporting 3- to 5-year-olds with developmental delays or disabilities in Pennsylvania.

The latest figures from the 2023-24 school year reveal that 69,287 preschool-age children are enrolled in these programs state-wide, marking a 20% rise from the 2018-19 academic year. This growth is evident in the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU), which serves Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. As of last month, 1,146 children are receiving support—a 58% jump from four years ago. Enrollment is anticipated to exceed last June’s total of 1,347 as the school year advances.

“We need more space,” remarked Kathleen Sottile, NEIU’s Executive Director, while discussing plans to establish a new early intervention center in Dunmore by spring. “We hope to have a plan identified by the spring to open up a state-of-the-art early intervention center, so we’re really excited about that.”

Support Systems in Place

Pennsylvania’s early intervention program provides free services to families with children from birth to age 5 who experience developmental delays or disabilities. The program covers various developmental domains, including physical (vision and hearing), cognitive, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive skills.

Funded by state and federal sources, these services are delivered at early intervention centers, daycares, preschools, and even in homes, with transportation provided when necessary. The pandemic accelerated awareness and enrollment in these programs, with research indicating that children born during the pandemic’s first year have exhibited more developmental and behavioral issues.

A 2022 study by Columbia University found that infants born during the pandemic scored slightly lower on developmental screening tests at six months than those born before. These children are now reaching kindergarten age.

NEIU’s early intervention program director, Colleen Penzone, emphasized the importance of spreading program awareness. Staff members are active in community outreach, visiting libraries, distributing flyers, and informing healthcare providers about these services.

“We just want people to know where to refer their child if they are having any type of developmental delays,” Sottile stated.

Wayne County’s Rising Enrollment

The Wayne County Consortium supported 400 children last school year, a significant increase from the 295 served in 2011 when Beth Gregory began her role as preschool supervisor. Although formal research is lacking, Gregory noted a rise in students needing speech therapy, possibly linked to increased screen time from devices like tablets and phones.

“Young children may be ‘entertained’ during the day with such devices and do not have the opportunities to communicate/talk/play with others,” she explained. This change has prompted the consortium to hire additional staff, including a speech therapist and a teacher who visits various childcare locations to accommodate the growing need.

Growth in Laflin

In Luzerne and Wyoming counties, the Hazleton Area School District’s early intervention services have seen a dramatic increase in referrals over the past decade. “Our referrals have grown astronomically over the last, I’d say 10 years. It’s probably tripled,” shared Lisa Krzywicki, the district’s early intervention coordinator.

The district now supports 1,350 children aged 3-5, with classrooms spread across locations like the Hazleton YMCA, Misericordia University, and Luzerne County Community College. Last year, the Hazleton Academy North opened at Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary in Laflin.

“I think the numbers just seem to grow, and the children are changing and ever evolving with their needs,” Krzywicki commented. She noted that early intervention can reduce the need for special education services as children progress in their education. “Early intervention works,” she affirmed.