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Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT)

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT).

What is Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT)?

Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) is Washington's early intervention program that provides services to children birth to age 3 who have disabilities or developmental delays. 

How do I apply for Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT)?

You can access ESIT services in several ways:

Primary Contact Method:

  • Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline: 1-800-322-2588
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Available in English, Spanish, and other languages
  • Toll-free statewide number for help and referrals

Direct Referral Options:

  • Anyone can make a referral - parents, family members, doctors, child care providers, or other concerned individuals
  • Healthcare providers can use the ESIT referral and consent form
  • Download ESIT referral forms from local lead agencies
  • Self-referral by calling your local lead agency directly

Local Lead Agency Contact (varies by county):

  • King County: 206-263-0853 (Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division)
  • Spokane County: Contact Spokane Regional Health District ESIT program
  • Clark, Klickitat, Pacific, Skamania Counties: ESD 112 at 360-750-7507
  • Chelan, Douglas, Grant Counties: NCESD (North Central ESD)
  • Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln Counties: NEWESD 101 at 509-789-3521

Online Resources:

How long does it take to receive services from Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT)?

Referral to Services Timeline:

  • Initial Contact: After referral, an ESIT representative will contact you to learn more about your child and schedule a developmental evaluation
  • Evaluation Process: A comprehensive developmental evaluation will be conducted to identify your child's strengths and areas of growth
  • Eligibility Determination: The evaluation determines if your child is eligible for ESIT services
  • Service Planning: If eligible, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed within 45 days of referral
  • Services Begin: Early intervention services typically begin as soon as the IFSP is completed

Service Delivery:

  • Natural Environment: Services take place in your child's natural environments (home, childcare, community locations)
  • Virtual Options: Secure virtual services are also available
  • Immediate Support: Family Resources Coordinator provides immediate support and information starting from first contact

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Recognize Concerns: Notice potential developmental delays or concerns about your child's development in areas like walking, talking, eating, playing, or learning
  2. Make Contact: Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or contact your local lead agency directly
  3. Initial Conversation: Speak with a Family Resources Coordinator (FRC) who will gather information about your concerns and your child's development
  4. Formal Referral: Complete the referral process, which can be done by you, your doctor, or another professional
  5. Schedule Evaluation: An ESIT representative will contact you to schedule a comprehensive developmental evaluation
  6. Participate in Evaluation: Attend the developmental evaluation where specialists will assess your child's development in multiple areas
  7. Review Results: Learn about your child's strengths and any areas needing support, and find out if your child qualifies for services
  8. Develop IFSP: If eligible, work with your team to create an Individual Family Service Plan that outlines goals and services
  9. Begin Services: Start receiving early intervention services in your child's natural environment
  10. Ongoing Support: Receive continuous support from your Family Resources Coordinator and service team

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

ESIT has minimal paperwork requirements, but you may need to provide:

Basic Child Information

  • Child's birth certificate or proof of age
  • Proof of Washington state residency
  • Any existing medical records or previous evaluations

Development and Medical History

  • Information about your child's current abilities and concerns
  • Previous early intervention or special education services (if any)
  • Medical history including any diagnoses or conditions
  • Current medications or treatments

Family Information

  • Contact information for parents/caregivers
  • Information about other family members in the household
  • Preferred language for services and communication

Healthcare Provider Information

  • Name and contact information for your child's primary care doctor
  • Any specialists your child sees
  • Permission to coordinate with healthcare providers

Consent and Release Forms

  • Consent for evaluation and services
  • Release forms to allow communication between providers
  • HIPAA and FERPA consent forms for information sharing

Insurance Information (if applicable)

  • Health insurance information
  • Medicaid/Apple Health information
  • Note: ESIT services are provided at no cost to families regardless of insurance status

Common FAQ's

Q: What makes a child eligible for ESIT services? A: A child must have a 25% delay or show a 1.5 standard deviation below their age in one or more developmental areas (physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive skills). Children may also be eligible if they have a physical or mental condition (like Down syndrome) that has a high probability of causing developmental delay.

Q: How much do ESIT services cost? A: ESIT services are provided at no cost to families. This includes evaluations, service planning, and all early intervention services. There are no fees regardless of family income or insurance status.

Q: Where do ESIT services take place? A: Services are provided in your child's "natural environment" - places where your child normally spends time like your home, child care center, or community locations. Virtual services are also available. The goal is to help your child learn and practice skills in the settings where they will use them most.

Q: Who provides ESIT services? A: Your ESIT team may include a Family Resources Coordinator, early intervention specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and other specialists based on your child's needs. About 1 in 8 children has a developmental challenge that makes them eligible for ESIT.

Q: What happens when my child turns 3? A: ESIT services end when your child turns 3. Your team will help plan a smooth transition to appropriate services, which may include preschool special education, community programs, or other supports. This transition planning begins well before your child's third birthday.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Main Contact Information:

Help Me Grow Washington Hotline

  • Phone: 1-800-322-2588
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Languages: English, Spanish, and other languages available
  • Website: helpmegrowwa.org

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

Local Lead Agencies by Region:

King County

  • Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division
  • Phone: 206-263-0853
  • Website: kingcounty.gov
  • Language interpretation available - say your language in English, then "Interpreter"

Spokane County

  • Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD)
  • ESIT Program
  • Website: srhd.org

Clark, Klickitat, Pacific, Skamania Counties

  • ESD 112 Early Support for Infants and Toddlers
  • Phone: 360-750-7507
  • Fax referrals: 360-906-1010
  • Website: esd112.org

Chelan, Douglas, Grant Counties (and Nespelem School District)

  • North Central ESD (NCESD)
  • Website: ncesd.org
  • Fax referrals: 509-888-1968

Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln Counties

Additional Support:

WithinReach (Help Me Grow Washington)

  • Address: 155 N.E. 100th St., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98125
  • Toll Free: 1-800-322-2588
  • Website: withinreachwa.org

Resource Materials:

Important Notes:

  • Services are available statewide through local lead agencies
  • No cost to families regardless of income or insurance
  • Services provided in natural environments
  • Bilingual services and interpretation available
  • Early intervention during the first three years can make a significant difference in a child's development
  • About 1 in 8 children experiences a developmental challenge that makes them eligible for ESIT
  • With early support, most children catch up with their peers

Rights and Safeguards:

  • Parents have rights and "safeguards" to ensure services address your child's needs and family concerns
  • You can file a citizen's complaint if you feel an agency has violated requirements
  • Consent forms ensure compliance with HIPAA and FERPA privacy protections