Early Intervention & Education
The Arc of Essex County’s early intervention and education services provide a foundation on which the growth and development of children can thrive. Early access to additional supports in the areas of communication, motor, learning, social, and emotional skills will prepare your child for lifelong learning. We understand this is family journey and are in your corner every step of the way to anticipate and guide you through all that lies ahead.



In-Center Services
The Stepping Stones Early Intervention program is comprised of education professionals, therapists and volunteers, who work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to provide a variety of social and academic experiences geared towards helping each child attain his or her potential. Utilizing targeted group instruction, along with a combination of therapeutic play, sensory activities, speech and language intervention, caregiver training, and therapeutic feeding, critical developmental milestones can be achieved. Parent support is provided as an essential component of the program. Due to the nature of the program, a parent or caregiver must be present at all sessions. Sessions are held in Roseland, NJ.
Tuition for the program is significantly reduced due to the generous contributions of The Candle Lighters.



In-Home Services
Funded by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Health, Shapiro Early Intervention is a program for children ages birth to 3 who has, or is at risk for developing a delay or disability. Eligibility is determined by the Rutgers Targeted Evaluation Team who evaluates each child against established benchmark criteria. Through therapy and instruction, caregiver training is provided in the home, or in day care centers with flexible appointments available to meet the needs of working families. Educational supports such as Applied Behavior Analysis, instruction in play and thinking skills, and guidance to develop social, emotional, and behavioral skills are available. Therapeutic supports can include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology. Families also have access to a social worker who can serve as a resource to address additional needs as they arise.

