Welcome to Early Childhood CARES
Early Childhood CARES provides early intervention and early childhood special education services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children in Lane County. Over 1,600 children with developmental delays or disabilities are served each year. Services are individualized to address the special needs of each child. Parents/ guardians are active members of their child’s educational team. There is no cost for our services.
Our providers are licensed or authorized professionals with specializations in the areas of early intervention/early childhood special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Early Childhood CARES is part of the College of Education at the University of Oregon and a subcontractor of Lane Education Service District (ESD). We are funded by the Oregon Department of Education with state and federal dollars.
Newsletters
Our monthly Parent Newsletter include updates, resources, and activities for families of children receiving our services. Click here to view some recent newsletters.
Service Calendars
View or download our calendars of services for Early Intervention (newborn through age 2) or Early Childhood Special Education (ages 3 through 5).
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is used by parents and guardians to electronically review and sign paperwork. Your child’s Service Coordinator can help you set up an account.
Parent Chats
Watch recordings of Parent Chats with our service providers about a variety of topics such as potty training, screen time, going to kindergarten, and more.
Resources
Learn about local resources related to disability, child care, preschool, families, Lane County, and more.
Additional Links
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Childhood CARES?
Early Childhood CARES provides Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services to children from birth to school age who have developmental delays or disabilities.
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What services are provided to children and their families?
Services are individually designed to address the special needs of the child with developmental delays or disabilities.
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How much will this cost?
All services are free of charge to eligible children. Early Childhood CARES is funded by the Oregon Department of Education. No insurance required.
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Who should be referred?
Any child age birth to five who may have developmental concerns may be referred to Early Childhood CARES. Areas of concern may include: speech and language, motor, behavior, social skills, learning, vision, & hearing. Referrals can come from anyone. The most common referrals come from parents, preschool teachers, physicians, or other public agencies.
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Our Vision
All families in Lane County with infants, toddlers, and young children learn and thrive in equitable, inclusive, and accessible communities that value developmental differences and disability as a natural part of the human experience.
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Our Mission
The mission of Early Childhood CARES is to support infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families by providing free early intervention and early childhood special education to all eligible children with developmental delays and/or disabilities in Lane County.
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