The early intervention program for children birth to three years old is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Child Development, and is operated through each county's Mental Health/Mental Retardation programs. The county contracts with local agencies to ensure that families have access to a service coordinator and the necessary supports and services.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education sets the policies for the early intervention program for to preschool-age children (from age three to the age of beginners). The Bureau of Special Education contracts services through mutually agreed upon written arrangements (MAWAs) with local intermediate units or school districts to provide the necessary services to these children.

Early intervention in Pennsylvania is a process to assist children who have disabilities or developmental delays before they enter school. Early intervention programs are targeted to infants, toddlers (including those who are at risk of developmental delay), and young children from age three to the age at which they start school (called the age of beginners). The programs involve collaboration among parents, early intervention providers, childcare providers, and others in the community who are 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. 

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, private agencies and others 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.