During early childhood, learning and overall development move at a considerably fast pace. There is no doubt that the inherent abilities of children, in combination with various environmental influences, play a decisive role in development. Children who present with or are at risk for developmental delay need the support of Early Intervention services in order to maximize their innate capabilities and at the same time to deal with environmental difficulties as quickly and as effectively as possible. Early Intervention comprises services that work on physical, speech, cognitive development and self-care skills. These services are offered to pre-schoolers (up to age 6) who present with problems or developmental disorder. Support and guidance for the family are also provided through early intervention services.

Early Intervention aims at preventing or minimizing the degree of dependence a child with an intellectual disability or developmental difficulties may present in the future. Providing suitable services early on has long-term positive effects on the ability of the individual to live independently, the quality of life in adulthood and at the same time also relieves the family of the pressure of constantly caring for and supporting family members who have intellectual disability or other developmental challenges.

In Cyprus, Early Intervention services are offered at the relevant Departments at the Ministries of Health, Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance and Education and Culture, as well as via a number of volunteer programmes. Additionally, services can be found in the private sector. In order to make access and monitoring of these early intervention services easier, in 2001, by order of the Cyprus Cabinet, a Liaison Service was established under the supervision of the Committee for the Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The Liaison Service employs three early intervention officers in Nicosia, Limassol / Paphos and Larnaca/Famagusta areas.  Their activities are supported by the Municipalities  Aradippou (Larnaca) , Geroskipou (Paphos) and  Kato Polemidia (Limassol) since May 2019  and now in the “Theotokos” Center for the Development of the Child’s Skills, named “The ALMA”, in the Old Hospital.

The Early Intervention Liaison Service was also supported by a Technical Committee, which is made up of representatives from the relevant ministries and the Pancyprian Parents Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.  Essential is the cooperation with paediatricians and all competent therapists.

Details regarding the duties of the Early Intervention officers can be found in the service’s brochure (in Greek and English). 

An evaluation of the service is also provided in the Annual Reviews (in Greek).

Early Internvention Brochure