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Early Support for Infants and Toddlers and Developmental Bridge
What is ESIT?
About 1 of every 8 children has a challenge with development that makes them eligible for Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). With early support, most children catch up with their peers! ESIT supports children ages 0-3 and their families with milestones like walking, talking, eating, playing, and learning. Families gain skills and knowledge to support their child's needs.
What is the Seattle Developmental Bridge Program?
For children birth through four years of age, The Seattle Developmental Bridge Program bridges the gap between ESIT and a child’s next connection to school to prepare for a strong start to kindergarten. Services are delivered at no cost to families living in Seattle city limits.
These services are funded by the Seattle Sweetened Beverage Tax, which is why the services are only available for families living in Seattle city limits.
To schedule an evaluation contact coordinator Aster Berhane, aster.berhane@boyercc.org or 206-325-8477.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
Make a referral
Anyone who has a concern about a child's development can make a referral including parents/caregivers. To refer a child, choose one of the following options:
- Contact WithinReach/ Help Me Grow: (206) 204-3536 or 1-800-322-2588, or childdevelopment@withinreachwa.org
- EFAX a completed ESIT WithinReach Referral Form ( PDF / Word ): (206) 299-9146
- Use this ESIT Provider Map Tool to find an ESIT provider that serves your area in King County and contact them directly
What happens after referral?
After the referral, an ESIT representative will contact you to find out more about your child and schedule a Developmental Evaluation. That evaluation will help to identify your child’s strengths and areas of growth and figure out if your child is eligible for ESIT.
Early Support services take place in your child’s natural environments! This may be your home, at childcare, or at other community locations you and your family go to. Sometimes services may be available virtually.
Based on your child and family’s needs, services may include:
- Individual Education
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational or Physical Therapy
- Feeding Therapy and Nutrition Services
- Family education, counseling and home visits
- Audiology, Assistive Technology or Vision services
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing Supports. Learn more about available services by watching:
Services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing video
Family rights
Parents have rights and “safeguards” to assure Early Support services are provided in ways that address your child’s needs and the concerns of your family. Your Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) will provide you with written information about your rights and explain them to you.
Citizen's complaint process
A citizen’s complaint can be filed by anyone who feels an agency or ESIT provider has violated a requirement, policy, or procedure. To learn more, email Wendy Harris: Wendy.Harris@kingcounty.gov
Interpretation and Accessibility Services
Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports team (206-263-0853): When you call, say your language in English, such as “Spanish” then say “Interpreter” in English. We will place you on hold while we connect with an interpreter.
King County’s 211 Crisis Connections provides comprehensive information on health and human services in King County, from rent and housing assistance to adult disability supports. Immediate language interpretation is available in more than 155 languages. Call 2-1-1 or 800-621-4636 Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
Washington Relay 711: A person with a hearing loss or speech disability with specialized telecommunication equipment or a person using a standard phone may initiate a call through Washington Relay. Dial 711 to connect with a Communication Assistant, who will dial the requested number and relay the conversation between the two callers. Learn more about All Washington Relay Services and Spanish Relay.