If a pediatrician believes there is developmental delay or disability in a young child, they may refer the child to an examination with EI. When the caregiver and doctor agree to an EI evaluation, a clinic social worker will fax an application to the “Citywide Early Intervention Referral Unit”. The fax number for the unit is 347-396-8801. Parents must share their names, phone number, address, and email with their social workers in order to get updates from the EI referral unit.
In NYC, EI evaluations and services are coordinated by the Department of Health. Find an EI application form at www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/earlyint/ei-referral-form.pdf.
After the application has been faxed, an EI agency will assign the child an EI coordinator. The EI coordinator is expected to contact the caregiver, respond to their concerns, examine their rights, and discuss the child’s evaluation options. The coordinator will give the caregiver the option of performing the evaluation with their child if they choose.
Subsequently, the evaluation is performed by an interdisciplinary team that determines the child’s eligibility for the program and the family’s needs and concerns. During The evaluation, the EI evaluator may contact the child’s pediatrician for input.
If the evaluation results indicate that the child has a condition that qualifies for EI, the initial service coordinator will schedule a meeting to build a plan with the caregivers. The child’s health insurance may pay the cost of EI services, but caregivers should be aware that Early Intervention services are free. After the plan is built, EI begins services within 30 days. EI reviews the built plan every 6 months.
It is important to note that when the child reaches the age of three, they will be required to transition to other services, such as Early Childhood Special Education programs in inclusive settings. The Early Intervention service provider assists the child and family with obtaining new services and adjusting to the new environment.
Children who live outside of New York City can enroll in their county’s Early Intervention program by calling their county health department or visiting health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/county_eip.htm.
To learn more about EI, visit www.nyc.gov and enter “early intervention” into the search box. To get answers to your questions about the EI process, contact INCLUDEnyc at (212) 677-4660 or visit includenyc.org/help-center/resources/early-intervention.
To seek an evaluation for your child, email a letter to your local Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Find your district and CPSE by visiting the page “Find a School Tool” at schoolsearch.schools.nyc.
This letter should include:
The letter can be drafted using the examples linked below. It is very important that the parents specifies the evaluation services sought (e.g., psychological, psychoeducational, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, functional behavioral assessment, etc.).
If the parent has documentation of a developmental condition or diagnosis, they could provide it. The parent must request a letter from the pediatrician confirming the child’s diagnosis or disability.
Once the child has an IEP, it must be reviewed once each academic year via another IEP meeting with the school staff and parents. You can request a meeting to discuss your child’s IEP ANY TIME, and you do not have to wait for the annual review meeting. To find more information about CPSEs, visit www.nyc.gov and type “Preschool Special Education” into the search bar.
NYC schools provide free evaluation services to 6- to 17-year-old children experiencing behavioral or academic issues. Evaluation results will help you and the school make a program of services and support that fits your child’s needs.
Ask your school’s principal to evaluate your child with a letter to seek an evaluation. In this letter, it is very important that you specify the evaluation services that you seek (e.g., psychological, psychoeducational, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, functional behavioral assessment, etc).
Follow this template letter letter template to seek an evaluation and get what you need.
Updated on August 5, 2024.
Child and family development experts visit both public and private preschools for on-site consultations. Consultants keep an eye on kids, meet with directors and teachers, run workshops, and give parents advice. If needed, they can also send parents to child development specialists for testing and services. Call (212) 690-7234 to get in touch. Visit jewishboard.org/listing/harlem-child-development-center
Early childhood programs provide therapy and lessons at centers or at home for children from low-income families, with disabilities, or who have experienced trauma or homelessness. Program locations include East Harlem and Upper Yorkville, as well as home-based programs. Learn more at a-b-c.org/early-childhood.
Through their helpline, they provide individualized, direct assistance. Reach them at (212) 677-4660. Access workshops and resources at includenyc.org.
Their specialists help children struggling in school or experiencing discrimination in their learning programs. Get help at (866) 427-6033. Access resources at advocatesforchildren.org.
They advise and represent public and charter school students facing school challenges. Call (917) 661-4500 for an intake in any language. Learn more at legalservicesnyc.org
Updated on February 9, 2024
Early Head Start provides center- and home-based care for children between six weeks and three years old. Beyond care and education, Early Head Start provides children with nutritional meals, health screening tests, and family health services.
Families who want to enroll may qualify if at least one of the following is met: income meets federal guidelines, housing is temporary, benefits are obtained (i.e. SNAP / WIC, cash assistance with TANF, social security income with SSI) or child is in foster care.
Visit MySchools.nyc to find Head Start programs; call them to start your application. Sign up no matter what your citizenship or immigration situation is! Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler.
Seats are free or low-cost and provide early care and education for up to 10 hours of care a day. Eligibility for these seats are based on family income and needs. If you get an offer, you will need to submit a Childcare Assistance Application.
To know more about childcare assistance also known as vouchers, visit nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care/apply-child-care.page. Learn more about what Extended Care offers at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler.
The Day Care Council of NYC is an organization that works to connect parents to day care centers near them while also working with day care providers themselves to assist in the development of quality child care. Learn more about their community service at dccnyinc.org/families. Contact them at 212-206-7818 or info@dccnyinc.org.
Child care vouchers help cover the cost of child care for children 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children with disabilities up to 19 years old are also covered. Parents are not required to be U.S. citizens. However, the child receiving care must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or have satisfactory immigration status. The size of your family, where you live, your income, and the reason you need care all play a role in determining eligibility. Find out if you are eligible at mycity.nyc.gov/s/screening-flow. Call the ACS Call Center at 212-835-7610, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for help.
Updated on February 20, 2024.
“3k” stands for “three-year-old kindergarten,” which means that the school is for children who are three years old and ready to start their early education. Preschools like 3K schools focus on building basic skills in young kids and getting them ready for kindergarten and beyond. 3K programs have been found to improve children’s intellectual and social development.
1. Sign up for 3-K and/or Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to 3-K or Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/3k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.
**Keep in mind that students who do not attend 3-K the year they are eligible cannot attend 3-K the year the next year when they turn four.**
Beware, that there are three types of 3-K seats or centers you can apply to:
For more information on applications, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/3K for the latest information on deadlines. For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “3K enrollment support”.
4K or Pre-K programs prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten by expanding on concepts covered in 3K and introducing more complex ideas.
1. Sign up for Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/pre-k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.
Types of pre-K seats or centers you can apply to are:
For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “Pre-K enrollment support”.
Updated on February 15, 2024.
Kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) schools are separated into three levels:
K-12 schools are either public or private. In New York City, public schools are operated by the DOE, which has a separate application process for each K-12 level. Learn when and how to apply to each level of public school below:
1. Sign up for kindergarten and Gifted & Talented (G&T) admissions email lists at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to kindergarten at schools.nyc.gov/K. Annual deadline is usually in January.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to learn about kindergarten options.
4. Learn which community school district (1-32) you live in and if your child has a zoned school by entering your address at school search.schools.nyc or calling 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.
For more information, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/K and schools.nyc.gov/GT to get the most up-to-date information on this year’s application timeline and admissions events.
1. Use MySchools.nyc to identify the programs your child is eligible to attend.
2. Find your child’s school district(s) and any zoned middle schools(s): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311
3. Add up to 12 program choices to your application. Put your choices in your true order of preference, with your favorite program as #1. There is no better strategy.
4. Apply one of the following ways:
1. Read this guide! Check schools.nyc.gov/HS for the most up-to-date information.
2. Sign up for our high school admissions email list at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to start exploring program options.
4. Discuss high school options with your family! Start building a list of favorite programs.
5. Make an appointment with your school counselor to discuss your high school options.
6. Learn when to apply to high school.
7. Add 12 programs to your application in your true order of preference.
8. Apply to high school by the deadline.
9. Complete any additional requirements, such as an audition
Updated on February 21, 2024
The Dial a Teacher program provides free homework assistance for parents and students directly over the telephone, from Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Call the Dial-A-Teacher Hotline at (212) 777-3380 to contact a tutor. Many bilingual teachers assist parents and students in 10 languages, including Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog.
nypl.ny.brainfuse.com/authenticate.asp
Tutoring is available for children from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. You can Schedule a session by logging in with your library card number.
Your child will be matched with a teacher based on grade level, subject, and availability. Applicants can send in their forms during the summer.
Help is offered online or on the phone and 1 hour of tutoring is offered per week. Enrollment is ongoing.
alittlejoyinitiative.com/tutoring
A tutor will be matched to your child by grade level, subject, and availability as soon as possible. Enrollment is ongoing.
A tutor will be matched to your child within a week. Enrollment is ongoing.
Updated on February 17, 2024
Free studio art classes are available at the Cooper Union for high-schoolers (9 to 12th grade) on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for observed holidays. Find classes in Architecture, Digital Media/Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Senior Design Studio, and Senior Visual Art Studio. The program provides free MetroCards to assist students with travel to and from classes.
No prior experience is necessary; students only need to be highly motivated. Visit cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/saturday-program or email saturdayprogram@cooper.edu to learn more. Otherwise, call (212) 353-4108.
Teens have the chance to develop their computational interests or learn valuable lifelong skills with the Youth and Teen Media Education Program by NYC Parks. For more information about a wide selection of programs, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/media/teens or email media.ed@parks.nyc.gov. Call (212) 360-2791 for support.
Math and problem-solving are the focal points of the BEAM programs. BEAM supports middle and high school students who are underrepresented in STEM careers. Students are welcome to take part in a wide range of enrichment events throughout the year and summer, such as classes on the weekends, field trips and lab visits, and more.
After a child has participated in a sumeer program, they will receive an invitation to apply to the BEAM Pathway program. This program kicks off with a free 3-week session at a college campus in the summer of 2025. Learn more at beammath.org/a-10-year-program. Contact BEAM at (888) 264-2793 or info@beammath.org.
New York City public school K–12 students are invited to apply to STEM Matters NYC enrichment programs offered during spring break. Visit nycdoe.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App to submit your application. Applicants entering kindergarten through grade 9 are selected to participate via lottery.
Teenagers in grades 8–12 learn about urban agriculture and the wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Garden Apprentice Program is a nine-month-based apprenticeship. Applications for the 2025 program will be available in fall 2024. Please email gap@bbg.org for more information. Visit www.bbg.org/learn/gap or email gap@bbg.org for more information.
CityParks Learn from the CityParks Foundation offers environmental education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout New York City. CityParks Learn programs are free or low-cost and include school day, after-school, and summer sessions. And even more, they offer internship opportunities and apprenticeships for high school and college students every year. Learn about available programs at cityparksfoundation.org/learn. To apply, go over the “APPLY NOW” section for the program of your choice.
Their programs are located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City. Explore options for middle schoolers at cityparksfoundation.org/learn
It offers free after-school programs for children from 6 to 13 years old. Programming is based around monthly themes including sports, famous artists, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Registration is required. To apply, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/afterschool.
Instructional Clinic programs provide sessions at NYC City Parks for children aged eight and up, allowing them to learn sports in an approach that is safe, easy, and successful. There are so many sports options! For further information, contact your neighborhood recreation facility at nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters or visit cityparksfoundation.org/play. Apply to your favorite sports programs as early as late in the winter or early in the spring.
SBU Soccer offers quality and affordable programs that give new players a solid base and help competitive children improve and use their skills. Sessions vary based on the child’s experience. Children 2-19 are welcome to SBU. The school charges an affordable fee for practice equipment. Learn and apply at southbronxunited.org.
Please note that there is an enrollment fee that varies depending on the program. In cases of financial hardship, families can submit financial assistance for a partial or complete waiver.
For aspiring soccer college players, SBU offers the community ID camps or clinics. Register for an Open ID Clinic using the form at southbronxunited.org/idclinic and attend the next available clinic date.
Summer Rising is a free, safe, and fun academic and enrichment program for NYC students currently in grades K–8. It takes place every summer. In every neighborhood, well-known community-based organizations and local school leaders run it. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are served to each student! The deadline to apply is usually in March so keep an eye out early in the year. Learn more about this city-wide program at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.
Find a city’s outdoor pool near you and take swimming lessons in the summer. Visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools to learn more about open days and hours of operation.
NYC Parks Summer Day Camp offers 6–13-year-olds a variety of summer activities. Campers participate in sports, fitness, and outdoor activities while exploring New York City’s cultural and educational offerings. Apply early! Registration is conducted through a lottery in early March. Learn more and apply at nycgovparks.org/summercamp/applying.
Fresh Air Fund offers outdoor summer activities for kids to provide them with new experiences, skills, and ways to see things from different points of view. Learn about their different programs at freshair.org. Create an account at freshair.org/sign-up-for-camp and apply early in the year! If you have trouble registering, email apply@freshair.org or call 800-367-0003.
The YMCA offers day camps in all five boroughs for children aged 8–12. Learn more at ymcanyc.org/programs/camp.
Updated on February 21, 2024
NYC teens between 14 and 21 receive career exploration and paid work experience each summer through the nation’s biggest youth employment program, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants can earn money through their participation. Call 1-800-246-4646 for questions and learn how to apply at nyc.gov/syep. Applications usually close in March. Apply early!
Futures and Options provides paid, mentored internships and career readiness workshops to high school juniors and seniors. Apply by visiting futuresandoptions.org/our-programs/our-programs-internships.
The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program offers paid professional development opportunities for high school students pursuing administrative, programming, and production jobs in the arts and entertainment industries. The annual deadline is in January every year. Visit www.apollotheater.org/education to learn more.
The Met offers undergraduate and graduate students paid internships that would help them gain professional experience and explore museum careers in the arts. The annual deadline is in January. Learn how to apply at metmuseum.org/about-the-met/internships/undergraduate-and-graduate-students/summer.
Tech Scholars engage 9–12 grade girls in coding through passion projects in the humanities. The program creates digital media projects that aim to have a social impact. Visit www.nyhistory.org/education to apply. Annual deadlines are usually in early May. Call (212) 873-3400 for more information.
The New York District Attorney Internship Program is a robust internship that offers students hands-on experience with the criminal justice system. Application deadlines are usually in March. For questions, inquire at highschoolinternship@dany.nyc.gov or by calling (347-417-2001). Visit manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/high-school-internship to learn more.
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides high school students with hands-on experience in laboratory techniques. Visit mskcc.org/education-training/high-school-college/hopp-summer-student and start an application. Yearly applications start in November. For any questions, please reach out to the HOPP Summer Student Program at HOPPSummerProgram@mskcc.org or (646) 888-2013.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to improve science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Learn more at nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.
Mt. Sinai is offering free virtual summer courses and in-person internships. For additional information, please visit https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/diversity/ceye/programs/summer or send an email to ceye@mssm.edu. The deadline for applications is in March every year.
The Ma’ayan Laboratory’s Summer Research Training Program in Biomedical Big Data Science is a ten-week research intense program for undergraduate and master’s students interested in cutting-edge biomedical data-intensive research projects. For more information, visit labs.icahn.mssm.edu/maayanlab/summer-research-program. The application deadline is in February.
Updated on February 22, 2024