The Early Intervention Special Interest Group (EI-SIG) was formally established at CSM, 2007.  The purpose of the SIG is to provide an arena where Section and Association members who have a common interest in providing effective physical therapy services for children with disabilities in early intervention may confer, meet, and promote high standards of practice.

• Join one or all SIGs today online or download PDF and mail
• Download SIG Bylaws

• The first annual membership meeting held at CSM, 2008 provided an opportunity for learning, networking and exchange of ideas. Please join us again at the 2009 CSM Las Vegas, Feb. 10-13. Sessions of specific interest to EI SIG Members have been planned.  Visit the CSM webpage (http://www.apta.org/CSM) to view all sections of Pediatric Programming. Throughout the year regional representatives provide members with opportunities for improved communication and enhance direct participation of members in SIG development and activities. As always feel free to contact your regional representative or any member of the leadership team if you are interested in participating in SIG activities.
• The EI-SIG is dedicated to establishing EI resources for pediatric physical therapists. The first Early Intervention continuing education course was held in Chicago, July 2008. The course was well attended by pediatric physical therapists from across the country. The feedback from the audience strongly confirmed the need for education and information forums pertaining to Early Intervention policy and service. In response to this need plans are underway to schedule the course again in Summer 2009 in Denver, CO. The first annual Section of Pediatrics Conference is scheduled for January 10-12, 2010 in Orlando. Please join us there. The SIG is planning an EI track as part of the conference. Additional CEU educational opportunities may be accessed through APTA’s new online learning center for home studies, audio and interactive courses. Examples are Developmental Neuroplasticity and Recognizing and Reporting Signs of Child Abuse http://learningcenter.apta.org
• EI-SIG leaders have played an integral role in representing perspectives of pediatric physical therapists by participating in public hearings, and in conjunction with the Section’s and APTA’s Government Affairs Committees. EI SIG Chair Elisa Kennedy represents Section on Pediatrics and APTA at the 2008 OSEP National Early Childhood Conference, Washington, DC as a forum presenter with AOTA and ASHA discussing personnel shortages in early intervention. The EI SIG responded to an opportunity to provide feedback for an early childhood Inclusion position paper sponsored by Division of Early Childhood, Council on Exceptional Children and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). http://www.dec-sped.org/index.aspx/About_DEC/PositionConcept_Papers/Inclusion

• Chiarello L, Effgen SK. Updated competencies for physical therapists working in early intervention. Pediatric Physical Therapy 2006;18(2):148-67.
• Resources for Early Intervention in PT
• SOP Fact Sheet Promoting your Child's Development: Information Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities
• Part C Updates: 9th in a Series of Updates on Selected Aspects of the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, (Part C) of IDEA  Danaher, J., Goode, S.., & Lazara, A. (Eds.)    
• Updated edition of �Providing Physical Therapy Services under Part B & Part C of IDEA� will be available in 2009.
•  Tummy Time ToolsSM http://www.choa.org/default.aspx?id=4892
• SOP Fact Sheets on Natural Learning Environments, Deformational Plagiocephaly and Cranial Remolding in Infants, and Developmental Coordination Disorder are available in addition to other publications on issues important to therapists practicing in Early Intervention.  For a complete list of Section on Pediatric Publications, Video Lending Library and PEDS Store, click here.
• Link to APTA's Bulletin article "Maximizing your Role in Early Intervention" 
• EI SIG December 2008 Enews Update