Early intervention normally occurs before preschool but can start at any time. Early identification of a child's abilities or difficulties should be dealt with when children are preparing for school so problems do not arise during important educational years. Preschool years are a child's maximum stage of readiness for learning new information and skills. Preschool, or earlier, is an ideal opportunity to prepare disadvantaged (or in some cases exceptional) students for their school years.
Although early intervention is often required for students who likely will encounter difficulties in school, some programs are designed for exceptional students, who may suffer from social isolation or not have the opportunity to use their talents in school. Early intervention in preschool offers support and additional education to families and exceptional students, ensuring the child utilizes her full potential at an early age.
Early intervention involves parents and other family members in the child's education and ensures families are provided with services and support to limit stress, frustration and helplessness. Families also are given the means to use features of early intervention programs at home and may continue to receive support through preschool. Regular child assessment, learning targets, structured learning and forming effective teaching methods to meet the needs of special-needs students are critical components of successful preschool early intervention programs.
Various studies have shown that early intervention increases future academic success and encourages students to take an active interest in their education. It also reduces delinquency and negative behavior toward teaching staff, and improves attendance during the school years. Early intervention provides students and their families with the means to support themselves without the use of additional services, such as therapy for a child with ADHD, and helps disadvantaged and exceptional students integrate with their peers.