Overview
LEAD Early is a four-part introductory series for parents of young children who are participating in Early Intervention (Infant-Toddler or Preschool) services. This Leadership series helps families make sense of how EI systems work in PA, understand their role within it, and begin to use their voice in ways that feel comfortable and make sense.
Purpose
LEAD Early is designed to:
- Reduce confusion about how Early Intervention services work
- Support parents in participating in decisions about their child
- Build confidence in communicating with providers and teams
- Explore the purpose and power of advocacy
- Elevate the voices of families from the very start
Series Structure
Sessions will be held on the Tuesdays below from 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Live Spanish translation is available!
Session 1: Advocacy Mindset and Shared Purpose: September 29, 2026
Introductions and an overview of advocacy will be covered in this session. We will start with introductions and outline our shared purposes. Then, we will review the history of family advocacy and the laws that have been put in place to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities over time. To wrap up, we will create an initial vision for what our own advocacy might look like.
Session 2: How Early Intervention Works – October 26, 2026
This session will provide an introduction to the Infant-Toddler and Preschool EI systems: How they are funded, what each system does, eligibility determination, how services are provided. We will also talk about the IFSP/IEP process to understand the key elements. Finally, we will explore some of the roadblocks that limit access to equitable and appropriate services in both Infant-Toddler and Preschool service systems.
Session 3: Navigating Systems and Accessing Services – October 13, 2026
In this session, we will untangle the web of the many services your child may require, especially when a child has complex special health care needs. Learn how services like these are paid for, and how to access these services. Explore and practice effective ways to ask questions, share information, and participate in decisions.
Session 4: Using Your Voice to Make Change – October 20, 2026
How to tailor your advocacy to meet your own needs moving forward. Engage with a simple introduction to how public data can help families understand patterns in services and outcomes, and to identify lapses in equitable service provision and access. Ideas will be shared about engaging with advocacy moving forward, locally and statewide. Finally, the group will work together on their own action plans for change and share their ideas
