BALTIMORE, MD—More infants in Maryland will qualify for crucial early intervention services under an expansion of the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) announced Wednesday by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The program, which provides free support to families with children with developmental delays or disabilities, will now include infants weighing less than 3.5 pounds.
The expansion, informed by state data and research from the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital (UMCH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Follow-up Program, aims to reach more children in need. According to Dr. Brenda Hussey-Gardner, Co-Director of the UMCH NICU Follow-Up Program, nearly half of infants born weighing between 2.5 and 3 pounds without other qualifying medical conditions experience developmental delays or atypical development by age three.
“The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program is one of the most accessible in the country–free of charge and available wherever families are, whether at home, daycare, or community spaces,” said Dr. Antoine L. Hickman, Assistant State Superintendent of MSDE’s Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services. “By removing barriers and increasing eligibility, we’re making it easier for children to access early intervention when it matters most.”
Early intervention services guide families in incorporating strategies into their daily routines to support their child’s physical, social, and emotional development. These services are provided by child development specialists in a variety of settings. The program is funded through a federal grant under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Referrals to the program are accepted from parents, guardians, healthcare providers, childcare professionals, and family members. Research indicates that 68% of children who receive early intervention services through the program avoid requiring special education services by third grade.
The expansion is expected to benefit an additional 400 children annually. The University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, home to one of only two Level IV intensive care units for newborns in Maryland, provides the most advanced care possible for critically ill or premature newborns. The hospital’s NICU Follow-Up Program closely collaborates with the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program to ensure continuous care and comprehensive support for families.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via UMMS
Do you value local journalism? Support NottinghamMD.com today.
