Interdisciplinary Early Intervention Center of Lebenshilfe Bremen

Discover the world through play

Every child is an independent, active personality with individual strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing and supporting these strengths builds self-confidence in the child.

Early intervention is a service for children from birth until they start school. It is aimed at children with developmental delays, disabilities, or children at risk of developing a disability.

The interdisciplinary early intervention center of Lebenshilfe Bremen supports children in developing their abilities and orienting themselves in their world.

Early intervention services offered by Lebenshilfe Bremen have been available for over 40 years. Founded in 1978 under the name "Frühe Hilfen" (Early Help), the service was the first of its kind in Bremen. Since March 2013, the Lebenshilfe Bremen early intervention center has been legally recognized as an interdisciplinary early intervention center.

The child at the center

The child, with their individual abilities and needs, is at the heart of our work. Through personalized and playful support, we holistically foster the child's development. We will discuss with you whether support is needed, what options are available, and what assistance you and your child require. Incidentally, children with developmental delays or disabilities have a legal right to early intervention services from birth until they start school. These services are generally free of charge for parents.

Early intervention – for my child?

Early intervention can help a child if, for example, they.

• is noticeably quiet or restless,
• does not see or hear well
• is particularly sensitive to touch or insensitive to pain,
• does not speak in an age-appropriate manner,
• does not move in a manner appropriate for their age, is noticeably cautious, anxious, clumsy, or makes unusual movements,
• Abnormalities in contact with children or adults are shown,
• does not show feelings or shows them particularly strongly, needs special support due to premature birth, or
• has a disability

Our services and focus areas

• We advise parents on all questions concerning their child's development.
• In our play and therapy rooms, we offer targeted early intervention and therapeutic services as a one-stop solution.
• We help with applications for early intervention and other assistance (e.g., care allowance or supplementary care services).
• We work closely with doctors, childcare facilities and other institutions, and advise them on professional matters.
• If needed and with a corresponding prescription, early intervention can take place in the daycare center or in the family.

What kind of help is right for my child?

We are recognized as an interdisciplinary early intervention center. This means that in addition to special education support, we can also offer comprehensive services.

Early intervention services are a comprehensive support program. They consist of a closely coordinated combination of special education and therapeutic measures. These measures are implemented simultaneously or sequentially, depending on your child's needs and the specifications of the support and treatment plan developed by the early detection unit at the children's center.

The interdisciplinary team at the early intervention center of Lebenshilfe Bremen comprises 22 employees with diverse qualifications and experience. These include special education teachers, occupational therapists, educational scientists, remedial teachers, speech therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers.

The support can take place in our premises on Landwehrstraße, in the daycare center or (in exceptional cases) at your home.

The early intervention team regularly discusses your child's progress with each other and with you as parents, and adjusts the support and treatment plan accordingly. If necessary, and at the latest after 12 months, supplementary medical examinations are conducted and the support and treatment plan is updated.

We support your child from birth until they start school – including the transition to daycare. This ensures continuous, needs-based support for you and your child.

Our services begin with an individual consultation. Parents who have questions about their child's development can then come to us. A doctor from the public health department can also participate upon request. To ensure we have enough time for your questions, please register in advance.