New York City Department Of Health: Early Intervention Eligibility and Services
The goal of the Early Intervention Program (EIP) is to support families in helping their children learn and develop. The EIP interventionist’s job is to help families understand their children’s strengths and abilities, using everyday activities to help their children develop.
If your child is found eligible for the EIP, your Early Intervention team of interventionist(s), service coordinator and Early Intervention Official Designee (EIOD) will learn from you. You know your child best, and are an important part of your child’s team.
Tell the team about:
- your child’s interests, and what helps him/her learn;
- what he/she does and does not like; and
- everyday activities that are hard for you to do with your child.
See the fact sheet Information for Parents about Early Intervention for more information.
Who is Eligible?
Infants and toddlers who live in New York City and:
- are from birth to three years old, and
- have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay; or
- are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability.
These infants and toddlers will receive an evaluation to find out if they are eligible for the Early Intervention Program. Children must be eligible in order to receive services.
Note: For information about early intervention services elsewhere in New York State, call the Growing Up Healthy 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-522-5006.
What if my child is not eligible?
If a child is at risk of a disability or is not eligible for Early Intervention, a family can enroll in the Early Intervention Developmental Monitoring Program. In this program, children will receive screenings to check their development.
What happens when my child is referred?
Families of children in the Early Intervention Program will get help from a service coordinator who explains the program, and helps the parent/family select an evaluation agency.
If the evaluation shows that a child is eligible for the program, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting is held.
At the IFSP meeting, a plan is developed with you to help you meet your child’s developmental needs. Early Interventionists (teachers and therapists) will then work with you during times you think are good for your child to learn.
Early Interventionists look at your daily routines with you. They help you find ways to help your child learn during these times. A service coordinator will continue to work with you to assist in ensuring that Early Intervention is working for you.
Who Will Pay For the Services?
- The Initial evaluation and service coordination is provioded at no direct cost to your family. Services for eligible children are also at no direct cost to your family.
- We use Medicaid and a parent’s insurance to help pay for service.
How Are Children Referred to the Program?
Infants and toddlers through age two can be referred by their family, doctors, social service workers, child care workers, and others at community agencies.
Children who are close to 3 years of age should be referred to the Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) under the Department of Education.
Call 311 for more information.
