To ensure that children with developmental delays/disabilities reach their highest potential, United Way of King County supports programs throughout the county that address their needs. We know that a critical piece of success for these children is direct support and engagement from their parents and families. When parents learn their child has delays, they may feel scared, helpless and powerless. But when they are connected to services and information that support and nurture their child’s development, parents feel empowered and supported as a result.
Early intervention services exist for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have a developmental disability and/or delay and their families. Research indicates that early diagnosis and access to services can reduce the intensity of service required later in a child’s life and prevent problems that limit a child’s ability to meet their greatest developmental potential from becoming more serious.
• There are 69,000 children, birth to age three, in King County, and it is estimated that up to 2.2% or about 1,500 annually, experience developmental disabilities.
• The average age of identification of developmental delays in King County is 21 months. Federal guideline for early identification is an average age of 1 year.
• Consistent, quality health care is the most effective way to insure early intervention. 3.2% of children under age 18 are uninsured.

For information and resources visit our partner organizations