Monitoring Milestones With ACHIEVA Early Intervention

As the trusted leader in providing early intervention services in Allegheny, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties, ​ACHIEVA Early Intervention​ has supported thousands of families over the past 45 years.     

“It’s very different than outpatient therapy,” notes ​Sharon Richards, ACHIEVA Early Intervention’s Vice President​. “We provide in-home services to families of children who have delays or disabilities, focusing on family training and teaching. The people who are with the child 24/7 have the most impact in that child’s life; supporting the child in their natural development and environment is crucial to success.”   

Early Intervention is provided at no cost to families; even the evaluation is free. “Identifying developmental delays in the earliest years of brain development is pivotal to the child’s development; securing early intervention services could potentially eliminate the need for special education services later in the child’s life,” says Richards, “and we encourage families to contact us as soon as they are concerned about a potential delay.”   

Monitoring developmental milestones is something that both parents and caregivers, in conjunction with the child’s pediatrician can do. All children develop at their own pace, but parents are encouraged to schedule an evaluation with their local independent assessment team if they suspect  there may be a delay. Each county has its own independent assessment organization, and at the completion of the assessment, the child will either qualify or not for services.    

“If your child qualifies for early intervention, we encourage families to choose ​ACHIEVA Early Intervention​ as your therapy provider. With over 150 therapists and specialists in seven specialties  (speech, occupational, physical, nutrition, vision, hearing and social work), we will work with your schedule to ensure your child’s services can begin as soon as possible,” says Richards.    

Tracking your baby’s development can begin at birth, and the milestone tracker featured below is a good way to start. For activities to encourage your baby’s development, please visit www.achievaearlyintervention.org/development​.    

Tracking Your Child’s Developmental Milestones

By 2 months does your child: 

• Respond to loud noises; hold head up when pushing up on tummy? 

By 6 months does your child: 

• Hold their head steady when held; coo and make sounds, or bring toys to their mouth? 
• Grab things that are in reach, show affection for caregivers?
• Make vowel sounds (“ah”, “oh”), or laugh  or make squealing sounds? 

By 12 months, does your child: 

• Respond to their name?
• Crawl, stand when held, use single words like “mama”, and point to things to  bring your attention to them? 

By 2 years, does your child: 

• Use 2-word phrases like “want drink”, copy actions seen and words heard
• Follow simple directions and walk steadily? 

Remember, all children develop at their own pace; if you are concerned, schedule the evaluation today and ​CHOOSE ACHIEVA Early Intervention​ as your provider.  

Getting your child the support they need is easy! 

1) Call your local service provider to schedule an independent evaluation.

Allegheny County:
Alliance For Infants & Toddlers, 412-885-6000  

Washington County:
Washington County Human Service, 724-228-6832) 

Westmoreland County:
Westmoreland Casemanagement & Supports: 724-837-1808 

2) If, at the completion of the evaluation, your child qualifies for early intervention, tell your service coordinator you ​choose ACHIEVA Early Intervention​ to be your provider. 

3) Once you choose ​ACHIEVA Early Intervention​ , we will work with you to schedule your  child’s first session as soon as possible. 

If you are concerned about your child’s development or you have been asked to select a provider for Early Intervention services, please call ACHIEVA for a no-cost consultation. For more information about ACHIEVA’s Early Intervention Services, contact us by clicking here or call 412.995.5000 x487.