Discover your new favorites for early childhood intervention!
Are you a therapist, educator, or assistant searching for therapy materials for toddlers and preschoolers? If so, you’re in the right place! This post is filled with resources for professionals in early childhood intervention (ECI).
Whether you’re looking for educational handouts to share with families, grabbing an activity for your next session, or looking to read up on routine-based intervention, chances are you can get what you need online for free or low cost.
→ You’ll find hidden gems, get honest opinions on popular websites, and tips to get the most out of these resources.
Resources for Early Childhood Intervention
I put together this list with early intervention and preschool in mind, but many of these sites cover a variety of ages. I’m giving you an overview, so you can make informed decisions about which tools and practices align best with the children and families you serve. We’ll get into the best parts of each website including helpful features and printable freebies (there’s even free training 😊)
The early childhood intervention resources included are organized by discipline (PT, OT, and Educator friends, *I see you!*) – click below to jump to the section ↓
→ Before we get into specific websites for early childhood intervention,
let’s take a moment to discuss evidence-based practices.
Show Me the Evidence! A Note About EBP
Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are NOT a product that can be bought, but a dynamic process. Formal research studies have limitations (especially when considering individuals from minority and marginalized backgrounds). We do our clients a disservice if we rely solely on scientific evidence. Evidence from the lived experiences of the family and obtained from your own clinical expertise are valid forms of evidence that must be considered along with formal research.
Bottom line: Clinicians must learn the perspectives of the family and incorporate clinical judgment with scientific evidence for effective intervention.
Do you want tips for collaborating with families? Download the Quick Guide for clinicians here!
Quick Tips and Considerations
Keep these points in mind as you navigate the online world of early childhood intervention. First – don’t forget to sign up for the website’s email list. By signing up, you typically get access to exclusive content and important updates (plus you can always unsubscribe if you’re getting too many emails). If you haven’t already, you can sign up for my email list here – plus you’ll get a freebie as my gift to you.
Before you open that *virtual* wallet, check out the reviews so you know what to expect. Take a moment to read the terms of use (a.k.a. the fine print) for any digital download or physical product to avoid any unintentional copyright infringement. For the families on your caseload that have a home language other than English, consider using translated materials (keeping in mind that AI/Google Translate are not always perfect translators).
Let’s dive into websites and tools for early childhood intervention!
**Disclaimer – I do not own the websites included in this list. I make no guarantees about the cost or availability of any resources mentioned.
Websites for Early Childhood Intervention Providers
Resources for Any Discipline
Evidence-Based International Early Intervention Office (EIEIO)
→ Visit the EIEIO website for resources
I recently learned about this website (and wonder if the acronym was intentional!). Here’s an overview – The EIEIO is the home of the Routines-Based Model (RBM) of Early Childhood Intervention for children birth to 5 years with disabilities and their families. The website is managed by the University of Alabama combining the work of researchers, trainers, and practitioners. According to the website, “the whole model consists of components organized by (a) intervention planning, (b) providing supports (i.e., consultative service delivery), and (c) the Engagement Classroom Model.”
Highlights – This website includes a materials section with a large selection of free downloadable resources including articles, checklists, slide presentations, measurement instruments, and handouts.
Special Features – The tools for early childhood intervention are available as PDF files right on the website in English, with many translations available (Spanish, Polish, and Chinese being the most common).
Considerations – this model (and therefore this website) is acronym-heavy. RBI is an acronym for Routine-Based Interview, RBHV refers to Routines-Based Home-Visiting and, CC2CC stands for Collaborative Consultation to Children’s Classrooms. The majority of the resources are intended for provider use.
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI)
→ Access routines-based Intervention materials from FGRBI
This website is PERFECT for “bagless” clinicians and providers focusing on caregiver coaching. Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI) incorporates child-directed and caregiver-implemented methods to embed naturalistic intervention strategies in play, daily routines, and planned activities for young children with special needs.
You’ll find an extensive collection of free resources for providers including free handouts for providers and families, case studies and videos (full-length examples of home visits).
Special features – Don’t miss the Caregiver Coaching downloads and training. In the ‘FGRBI for Providers’ section (select ‘Resources for Providers’ from the dropdown menu) you can access the PDF Caregiver Coaching Strategies with explanations and examples to show you exactly how to implement coaching techniques. The “Mobile Coaching” section offers resources designed to help providers with virtual visits.
Considerations – There are family-friendly handouts (i.e. “pretty” brochures), but be aware that some of them may be a bit visually overwhelming.
The Non-Clinical PT
→ Learn about Non-Clinical careers and side-hustles at The Non-Clinical PT
The Non-Clinical PT is the best resource for PTs, OTs, SLPs, and assistants looking to further their careers beyond direct patient care. Whether you’re seeking to supplement your current position or transition to a new role, the Non-Clinical PT is the place to start. The blog features in-depth interviews with rehab professionals and comprehensive articles on side hustles and career paths such as healthcare writing, entrepreneurship, care coordination, informatics, medical sales and so much more.
Highlights –You can easily search through articles from the navigation bar (type in a career path that interests you or your discipline to get started). There’s a free minicourse to help you get started (career paths, job searching, resume tips, etc).
Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)
→ Browse resources at Teachers Pay Teachers
Not just for teachers 😉 TPT has tons of resources in the Early Intervention category (even though the site says PreK-12). This online marketplace is made up of individual stores (similar to Etsy and Amazon) filled with resources created by the professionals who use them. With literally thousands of free and low-cost resources for Birth-5, early interventionists and clinic-based providers use TPT for activities, forms, caregiver handouts, and more every day.
Special features – Every store is required to have at LEAST 1 free resource, so there are tons of freebies right at your fingertips. Buyers earn credit towards future purchases by leaving reviews (do this before sales for the most savings!).
TPT → Q&A
Does it cost money to join?
Nope! TPT is free and anyone can join (parents, daycare providers, etc.)
How can I tell if resources are high-quality?
Read the reviews on individual products and download the preview!
What is a “TPT Store”?
Each store is owned and run by an individual seller, making the products available across stores unique.
→ Resources from my TPT store, Eva Lee SLP, are pictured below! *Visit my store here for free and paid products*
Personal Note: If you’ve ever downloaded any of my resources, thank you! I am forever grateful for your support 💜
Tools for Speech and Language
Fluent AAC
→ Create a free communication board at Fluent AAC
Fluent AAC designs communication solutions that can be individualized to meet user needs. The company is guided by core values such as inclusivity, accessibility, and a strengths-based approach. The Fluent AAC website has quick and easy-to-follow lessons and activity suggestions with fun and playful ideas.
Special Feature – You can download FREE printable communication boards with inclusive and customizable symbols.
Communication Matrix
→ Visit the Communication Matrix website
Ideal for documenting the prelinguistic skills of young children and assessing individuals with complex communication needs, the Communication Matrix was designed for anyone functioning at early stages of communication or using alternative forms of expression (other than speaking or writing). Results are summarized on a one-page Profile, showing the child’s level of communicative behaviors and the types of expressed messages or communicative intents. These profiles allow families and professionals to create a comprehensive portrait of a child’s communication skills.
Here’s an overview of the information the Matrix includes:
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- four reasons to communicate – to refuse, obtain, engage, and exchange information
- seven levels of communication – (from pre-intentional behavior up to abstract symbols and language)
- 24 specific messages – such as “I want that”
- nine categories of communicative behavior – like simple gestures
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Highlights – This tool is designed for accessibility. The Matrix includes pre-symbolic communication (gestures, body movement, sounds, eye gaze, and facial expressions), alternative forms of communication (picture systems, electronic devices, voice-output systems, Braille, sign language, and 3D symbols), and typical communication (speech).
Special Features – You can share and print the one-page profile summarizing a learner’s communication skills that the Communication Matrix provides. The Communication Skills List illustrates the learner’s communication behaviors, making it easier to identify specific behaviors to work on.
Considerations – Completing the entire assessment online can be tricky to navigate (especially for caregivers). I recommend printing the information to guide discussions about a particular client’s communication skills and needs.
Gross Motor and Physical Therapy
Pink Oatmeal
→ Get engaging movement activities at Pink Oatmeal
Pink Oatmeal is THE destination for making movement fun and accessible for children. There are a range of resources to promote physical activity and motor skills that can be incorporated into any session. The printables and videos are perfect for therapists who travel between locations. The blog is filled with ideas to easily implement movement breaks, kids’ yoga, and more.
Highlights– You can get access to 80+ free resources from the Pink Oatmeal Freebie Library. The free printables feature bright, child-friendly images along with helpful instructions to get the most out of each activity.
Sensory Processing and Occupational Therapy
A Dime of OT
→ Explore A Dime of OT for insights and resources
A Dime of OT strives to foster a connection between parenthood and pediatrics while promoting play, parenthood, and neurodiversity. Dr. Dime is a pediatric occupational therapist, reproductive advocate, and trained doula. A Dime of OT is dedicated to a strengths-based approach and the belief that representation is essential. This website provides resources, education, and support on a range of topics, including neurodiversity, feeding, and sensory processing.
Special Feature – Free handouts include Characteristics of Autism and Considerations While Working with Black Children. Find these under the “Resources” section.
The Well-Balanced OT
→ Visit The Well-Balanced OT’s website
The Well-Balanced OT offers a safe space for professionals and families to learn about occupational therapy. There is great information about how the sensory systems work together and impact function. The blog makes complex topics easy to understand which is perfect for early childhood intervention.
Highlight – The Freebie Vault has free downloads for clinicians and caregivers on the sensory systems, regulation, and activity ideas.
I hope to keep this list growing! What are your favorites?
