EARLY INTERVENTION SECTION

The Early Intervention Section (EIS) is a federal and state-mandated program that provides services to support the development of infant and toddlers from birth to three years of age. Information and support are also provided to parents to increase their knowledge about and ability to support their child’s development. The Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency for the implementation of Part C, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for the State of Hawaii. Within the DOH, EIS is responsible to ensure that Hawaii meets all the requirements and regulations of Part C of IDEA. For information about Part C, IDEA, please go to https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/. Hawai‘i IDEA Part C Policies and Procedures was approved on July 1, 2024.

Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 11-140, Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers has been adopted and is effective October 21, 2013.  A letter to EI Stakeholders regarding the changes for Early Intervention and the revised eligibility criteria is here.

DELIVERY OF EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

Early intervention services may be provided in-person, telepractice, or blended (i.e., combination of in-person and telepractice).  Determining in-person, telepractice, or blended is based on a discussion with the family on how services will be provided to support the family with meeting the needs of their child.  Families should contact their Care Coordinator for any questions regarding early intervention services for their child.

Family Stories

  • Nousianen Family

  • Pascua Family

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT

The State of Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), Family Health Services Division, Children with Special Health Needs Branch, Early Intervention Section (EIS) posted the Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 2004 for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025.

To receive its allocation of the IDEA Part C funds, the State must submit an application to the United States Department of Education (USDOE), Secretary of Education.  The application verifies that the Hawai‘i DOH has reviewed its policies and procedures and assures that the Hawai‘i DOH will comply with the provisions required by Part C of IDEA 2004 (20 USC 1431-1444).  As part of this process, USDOE requires all states to publish the application and receive comments.

The application is available for review under the submenu “State Applications and Documents.”  Copies are also available for review at the Early Intervention Section, 1010 Richards Street, Suite 811, Honolulu, HI 96813.  A copy of the application will be mailed to any interested person who contacts EIS at (808) 594-0000.  Accommodations (interpreter, large print, etc.) may be requested by calling (808) 594-0000 (Oahu) at least five (5) working days before May 1, 2025.

All comments must be received by the Early Intervention Section, 1010 Richards Street, Suite 811, Honolulu, HI 96813, no later than 4:30 p.m. on or by May 16, 2025.