nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/early-intervention.page
311 (ask for Early Intervention)
The Early Intervention (EI) Program helps young children who are not learning, playing, growing, talking, or walking like other children their age. The program works with your family to set goals for your child and create a plan to help your child and your family meet these goals.
Children that are eligible for Early Intervention services (therapy) are those who:
► Are younger than 3 years old (must refer before 2 years and 11 months)*
► Have a delay in one or more of the following areas of development: physical (motor skills), cognitive, communications (verbal/talking), social-emotional, and/or adaptive.
► EI is available to all eligible New York City children, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, disability, or immigration status, and services are provided at no cost.
How can I get services?
— Speak to a social worker for assistance (ask your child’s doctor for a referral).
— Doctors can also make a referral by completing the Early Intervention Program Referral Form.
— Alternatively, you can call 311 and ask for “Early Intervention Evaluation Services”.
What happens after my child gets referred?
1. A service coordinator will contact you. They will explain what are the EI services, begin the evaluation process, and then select with you an agency to use for the evaluation. (This same person will continue to provide assistance while your child is in the program.)
2. Your child will have an evaluation by a specialist from the agency you select.
3. If your child has a delay, they may be eligible for EI services.
Remember that therapeutic early intervention services have been shown to improve developmental outcomes, mitigate behavioral concerns, and increase caregiver confidence.
*If your child is 2 years 11 months or older and you think he needs special education, visit “Preschool Special Education Services”.
Find more information about EI services in NYC by visiting the EIP website by NYC Health.
Early Intervention handout.
Spanish Early Intervention handout.
El programa de intervención temprana ayuda a los niños que no están aprendiendo, jugando, creciendo, hablando o caminando como otros niños. Este programa ayuda a crear metas para tu hijo y un plan para ayudar a alcanzar estas metas.
**MUY IMPORTANTE: habla con un trabajador social para obtener asistencia o pide al doctor de tu hijo un referido a “Intervención Temprana”. Los doctores pueden hacer un referrido completando este formulario Early Intervention Program Referral Form. Alternativamente, llama al 311 y pregunta por “Intervencion Temprana”.
Hoja informacional para aplicar a una evaluación y obtener servicios de Intervención Temprana.
Si tu niño tiene 2 años y 11 meses o es mayor, y crees que necesita servicios de educación especial visita “Servicios de Educación Pre-escolar Especial” para más información.
Updated on February 16, 2023