Early Childhood Development

Children’s Integrated Services Program (CIS) is the name for Vermont’s new approach to providing coordinated child development and family support services.

Formerly provided by three separate programs: Healthy Babies Kids & Families, Children’s Upstream Services, and Vermont Family Network’s own Family Infant and Toddler Program.

CIS brings maternal, family and child support, early childhood and family mental heath and early intervention services together to coordinate supports for families with children up to six years of age and pregnant women.

Formerly known as the Family, Infant and Toddler Program, the Vermont Family Network’s CIS – Early Intervention Program provides family centered services for children up to three years of age who have a delay in development or who have a condition that may lead to a delay in development.

Families, parents, and caregivers can contact CIS – EI directly if you have a concern about your child’s development, or call Children’s Integrated Services if you are uncertain of what services you need, or, if you have a child between the ages of 0 – 6 who does not qualify for early intervention program.

For more information about Children’s Integrated Services go to the following link:

http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/cis

What is early intervention?

Early intervention can help you and your family support and promote your child’s development, within your family activities and community life. Vermont’s Early Intervention system supports children birth through three years of age who have special developmental needs. The Vermont Family Network Children’s Integrated Services – Early Intervention Program “connects” families with services, such as occupational, speech or physical therapy, to help infants and toddlers grow and develop and help their families in this process. It is a voluntary program and does not discriminate based on race, culture, religion, income level, or disability.

The term “early” intervention is important because research shows that the first three years are the most important time for learning in a child’s life. Providing developmental supports and services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Also, it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later.