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Early Intervention 


An early interventionist is a developmental specialist who works with a child’s caregiver in an effort to teach the child skills that are necessary for development.

Some of the children have a diagnosis, like autism, prematurity, or Down Syndrome, while others do not. The children and families are very diverse, just like our community. Our staff is credentialed by the State of South Carolina as Infant/Toddler Specialists to work with young children with disabilities or developmental delays. We work out of three offices located in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island.

Individuals interested in more information on early intervention services, please contact 843-255-6291. 

Early Intervention Services

We provide two services: Family Training and Case Management.

Family training is hands-on "play time" with the child. Play is how kids learn, so we play to teach! The parent or caregiver is with us during this time, so we can all share ideas and help the child learn new skills.

Case management services ensure that eligible individuals have access to the full array of Beaufort County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (BCDSN) programs and resources that will enable them to live in a community setting, such as their home or a group home, rather than in an institutional setting, such as a nursing facility or Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). Case management services are provided by case managers. They can make referrals for any therapy the child might need. They also help children who qualify transition into the public special education preschool program at age three.

Some children may also receive respite and/or family support funds, depending on their eligibility for these services.


Scheduling of Services

Services are provided at times convenient for the family and child. We are accustomed to working around nap times, therapy schedules, and other activities where the child and their family participate. We usually visit once a week for about an hour per visit. 

Location of Services

We go where the child is! Our visits are usually in the child's home or childcare setting. We can also play at parks, libraries, the community pool or playground, and other places where children are typically found.

How to know if Early Intervention is right for you

If you have any concerns about your child's development, it is always appropriate to make a referral. Research shows that children with developmental delays benefit from early intervention. Families also report positive benefits as a result of early intervention services.


Eligibility for Services

To be eligible for services, an individual must live in South Carolina and have a referral to determine if they meet the criteria set forth by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. There are seven categories of eligibility: Intellectual Disability (ID), Related to Intellectual Disability (RD), High Risk Infant, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Head Injury (i.e., Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and Similar Disability (SD).

For children under the age of three, contact the local office of the South Carolina BabyNet program at 843-782-3405.

For children over the age of three, contact the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs at 1-800-289-7012.

If your child is determined eligible for BabyNet or SCDDSN services, you will be offered a choice of Early Intervention providers. Beaufort County Bright Beginnings is one of those providers. We would love to work with you, your child, and your family.

Apply for Services:

Individuals interested in more information on applying for BCDSN services, please contact 843-255-6291. 

Individuals can also call the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs at 1-800-289-7012, Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Those applying for Early Intervention Services for children at risk can call BabyNet at 1-866-512-8881.


Cost of Services

There is no cost to the family for our services. If private insurance or Medicaid is available, these resources will be used if the parent consents. No co-pays or deductibles are paid by families using private insurance.