Early intervention for infants and toddler with disabilities first started in 1986 nationwide under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA). Congress established the program in recognition of “an urgent and substantial need” to:

• enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities and to minimize their potential for developmental delay,
• reduce the educational costs to our society by minimizing the need for special education and related services after infants and toddlers reach school age,
• minimize the likelihood of institutionalization and maximize the potential for their independent living in society, and
• enhance the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their child.

At this time, Guam also started their Early Intervention program under the name of Guma Nene, which was under the Guam Department of Education. Guma Nene provided family support and intervention services to children birth to 36 months who have or are at risk of having developmental delays and/or disabilities. Guma Nene worked with the Pediatric Evaluation and Developmental Services (PEDS), which provided initial screening and identification of children birth to 36 months who have or are at risk of having developmental delays and/or disabilities.  

In 2001, Guma Nene was renamed the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS). While GEIS provided the family support and services, PEDS provided initial screening and identification. It was not until 2009 that PEDS was then combined with GEIS.

Currently, GEIS provides initial screening and identification as well as family support and intervention services to children birth to 36 months of age who have or are at risk of having developmental delays and/or disabilities.