Child development takes place most rapidly during the preschool years, which makes this an crucial time for addressing any developmental or social issues a child begins displaying. Intervention at an early age makes it less likely that children will experience difficulties later in life. Preschool intervention allows children to learn and develop new skills during a time of maximum readiness. This includes identifying areas of need in both cognitive and emotional development. Once those areas are identified, educators can create individualized instructional services that can change the course of the child's education, both in the present and towards the future.
Parents and siblings of a child that is handicapped or disadvantaged often have feelings of isolation, disappointment and frustration. Early intervention programs can provide support to family members by equipping them with information and skills on how to teach and interact effectively with their child. These services can also help improve parents' attitudes about their child, and can facilitate a healthy parent-child relationship. On the other side of the coin, parents of gifted children often also struggle with ways to challenge and support their more advanced child. Intervention services can provide them with ideas.
Children that receive early intervention services typically need fewer special education services as they progress through the school years. Children who have received special attention generally have more success in the classroom, are held back less often, and display fewer behavior problems. Students who participate in preschool intervention programs are also more committed to schooling and have higher test scores. Increased participation in the work force and decreased participation in welfare are also future benefits, albeit far off in the future at the preschool level.
Preschool intervention programs not only provide benefits to the child and their family, but also to society at large. Because the child will have an increase in developmental and educational gains, they are likely to rely less on social institutions. Although preschool intervention services initially require an investment, when compared to the amount of money saved on special education services they usually work out to be very cost effective. Students will progressively need less and less as the years go on, and will gain the confidence to be productive, meaningful members of their communities.