Through a unique collaboration between the Departments of Education ( PDE) and Public Welfare (DPW) the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) administers the Commonwealth's Early Intervention Program for eligible infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  At a local level, the county Early Intervention programs administer the program for infants from birth to three years of age.  The OCDEL contracts services through intermediate units (IUs), school districts, and private agencies for local services to preschoolers from three years of age to the age of beginners.  When a child turns three years of age, responsibility for funding Early Intervention services moves from DPW to PDE.

Early Intervention in Pennsylvania consists of services and supports designed to help families with children who have developmental delays.  Early Intervention builds upon the natural learning occurring in those first few years.  It is a process that promotes collaboration among parents, service providers and others significantly involved with children before they enter school.  The programs enhance family and caregiver relationships with children. They work within the routines and activities unique to each family and community to build on the child's strengths, and maximize the child's experiences and opportunities.