Birth to 6 years of age is critical years for the physical growth, health as well as cognitive development and well-being of a child. These are also vital for the holistic development of children. A newborn’s brain, which is merely a quarter of the size of that of the adult brain, is said to develop up to 90% by five years of age. 

Evidence also suggests that early stimulation is essential for all children for school and higher education and in case of children having impairments, it also averts further disabling conditions. Hence, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), Government of India has envisioned starting Early Intervention Centres (EICs) for shaping stronger futures for young children with impairments in the age group of 0-6 years. 

The aim is to provide a cross-disability, composite multi-functional facility for therapeutic interventions to help reduce the disability burden and also counsel the parents under one roof. It is also to prepare the children for school readiness which is crucial for inclusive education.
Cross Disabilities Early Intervention Center is approved to be established at CRC Balangir.