Children with special needs and sensory impairments can enroll in educational programs.

  1. Get Screened

    Screening is the first step in identifying possible conditions your child may have. Your child can get screened at the hospital when they are born, by your primary care physician or doctor, or through a public health clinic.

    Most newborns are screened for certain conditions right after birth. These screenings include a hearing screening, blood screening, and Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening. If your newborn is identified as possibly having a condition, your hospital will refer your child to a specialist or a public health program. Learn more about the Georgia Newborn Screening Program.

    If you notice any possible conditions after birth at any age, contact your primary care provider or physician for a screening and a referral for specialist services. You can also find a public health clinic near you that provides screenings and referral services using the Georgia Maternal Child Health Coordinator Locator.

  2. Get a Diagnosis

    Your child may require a diagnosis and referral from a specialist in order to be eligible for certain programs or services. Visit a specialist after your child’s screening in order to get further evaluation, a diagnosis, and treatment, if applicable. If your primary care physician or doctor did not refer you to a specialist, find a public health clinic near you using the Georgia Maternal Child Health Coordinator Locator.

  3. Find a Program

    There are several statewide early intervention programs and educational services that support children with special needs. Staff will work with you and your child to access appropriate services, connect with doctors or specialists, and prepare for transition to school.

    • Babies Can't Wait

      Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) is a statewide early intervention program that offers a variety of coordinated services for infants and toddlers with special needs, from birth to age 3, and their families. This program is administered by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Learn more about Babies Can’t Wait.

    • Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services

      The Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services (PINES) is Georgia's early intervention program serving families of infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who are deaf or hard of hearing or have a visual impairment. Administered by the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia PINES provides specialized support to help children reach developmental milestones during their earliest years.

      All services are delivered at no cost to families and take place in the home or other natural environments that are comfortable and familiar for the child. Learn more about Georgia PINES.

    • Georgia Mobile Audiology

      Georgia Mobile Audiology provides newborn hearing screening follow-up, diagnostic infant hearing evaluations, and referrals to audiologists for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn more about Georgia Mobile Audiology.

    • Autism Access and Innovation

      Autism Access and Innovation (AAI) is a statewide program dedicated to supporting children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), from birth through age 21, and their families. Administered by the Georgia Department of Public Health, AAI provides coordinated services to help families navigate early identification, diagnosis, intervention, and transition planning. 

      Through a comprehensive, family-centered approach, AAI ensures children with ASD have access to the resources and support they need to grow, develop, and thrive. Learn more about AAI.

    • Pathways: Language and Literacy for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

      A resource for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children, their families, and their community. Georgia Pathways provides information about how to locate statewide programs and partners, access services, and obtain resources for families and professionals. Learn more about Pathways for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children.

  4. Find a School

    Many children with special needs can find support within their school district. Some children may be eligible for and would better benefit from state schools with specialized curriculum. Work with your early intervention program staff to determine which option would work best for your child.

  5. Next Steps

    Your school or education program may track your child’s progress over time. Keep a copy of their progress for your records.

     

    Last updated May 2026