What Is Early Intervention?
Early support can help infants and toddlers who may be showing delays in development. In New York, this support is provided through a public program for children from birth until their third birthday who have, or may have, a developmental delay or disability.
The program can help families understand a child’s needs and connect eligible children with services such as evaluations, service coordination, therapy, special instruction, and other developmental supports authorized through the Individualized Family Service Plan process.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, you do not need to wait. Families in New York City can begin by calling 311 and asking about services for infants and toddlers with developmental concerns. You can also learn more through the New York State Department of Health.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is for children under 3 who may need help with one or more areas of development. Concerns may involve speech and language, movement, learning, behavior, social interaction, feeding, daily routines, or other developmental skills.
A child does not need to already have a diagnosis to be referred. Some children qualify because they have a diagnosed condition that can affect development. Others may qualify because an evaluation shows a developmental delay that meets New York State and New York City eligibility criteria.
How Families Get Started
In New York City, children must be referred to the municipal program to begin the process. Parents can call 311 and ask for help with developmental concerns for a child under 3. A doctor, caregiver, or another person may also help make a referral if the family wishes.
After a referral is made, the next steps may include assigning an initial service coordinator and arranging evaluations to determine whether the child is eligible for services.
What Happens During an Evaluation?
An evaluation helps determine whether a child qualifies for services. Evaluators look at important areas of development, which may include communication, motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and adaptive skills such as feeding, dressing, and daily routines.
Parents and caregivers are an important part of this process. What you notice at home, during play, during meals, and in everyday routines can help evaluators understand your child’s strengths and needs.
New York Child Resource Center, Inc. is an approved provider of evaluations, as well as home and center-based services. To learn more about the programs we provide, visit our Programs page.
What Is an IFSP?
IFSP stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. If a child is found eligible, the IFSP identifies the services and supports that are needed for the child and family.
The plan is developed in collaboration with the parent, New York City staff, and other team members. Services must be authorized by the municipality before they are provided through the public program.
What Does “No Cost” Mean?
Evaluations are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to participating families. Services authorized through the IFSP are also provided at no out-of-pocket cost.
The program is funded by New York State and county governments. A child’s health insurance may be accessed for reimbursement, but families are not charged out-of-pocket costs for authorized services.
What Happens When a Child Turns 3?
Services for infants and toddlers continue until a child’s third birthday. As that date approaches, families may receive transition support to help plan next steps.
For some children, this may include planning for preschool special education services or other supports after age 3. Service coordinators can help families understand the transition process and prepare for what comes next.
How New York Child Resource Center Can Help
New York Child Resource Center, Inc. has supported children and families since 1993. Our licensed and certified professionals provide evaluations, service coordination, ABA programming, and home and center-based developmental services for eligible infants and toddlers.
Families can contact New York Child Resource Center with questions about available services, locations, and next steps. Parents who are ready to begin the official referral process in New York City should call 311.
Program Disclosure
The Early Intervention Program is a public program for infants and toddlers under three years of age who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Children with diagnosed conditions that lead to developmental delays may be eligible. Children with no diagnosis who have delays in development may also be eligible if their delays are serious enough.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, you can contact the NYC Early Intervention Program by calling 311. Someone else can help you make the referral if you wish.
New York Child Resource Center, Inc. is approved by New York State and has a contract with New York City to provide Early Intervention services. Eligibility can be determined only by State-approved evaluators under contract with the municipality.
If your child is found eligible for services, you, New York City staff, and other team members will make a plan to help your child and family. Services in your plan and authorized by New York City are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Your child’s health insurance may be accessed for reimbursement, but all other costs for authorized services are paid for by New York City and New York State.
Services are provided where it is best for the child, such as the home, child care, or other community settings. The program covers the cost of authorized services only. It does not pay for child care or other fees charged by community settings.
