Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is: (1) To enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities and to minimize their potential for developmental delay; (2) To reduce the educational costs to our society, including our schools, by minimizing the need for special education and related services after infants and toddlers with disabilities reach school age; (3) To minimize the likelihood for institutionalization of individuals with disabilities and maximize the potential for their independent living in society; (4) To enhance the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their infants and toddlers with disabilities; (5) To establish collaborative activities among agencies of the District of Columbia that administer programs relating to young children to maximize the quality of early intervention services; and (6) To enhance the capacity of city agencies and service providers to identify, evaluate, and meet the special needs of historically under-represented populations, particularly minorities and low-income and inner-city populations.