Development Evaluation Programs

A developmental evaluation is a psychological assessment for children that looks at many areas of their functioning, like their ability to think, talk, behave, connect with others, move their bodies, and adapt to new situations. All children living in NYC can receive evaluations at no cost.
 
Please see below:

CHILDREN 0-2 YEARS-OLD

Early Intervention (EI)

EI services assist children under three and offer free evaluations and case management to children with developmental concerns regardless of race, ethnicity, poverty, handicap, or immigration status.

 
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.
 

The following are examples of Early Intervention Services:

• Evaluation services (including hearing and vision screening)
• Home visits
• Speech, physical and other therapies
• Nursing and nutrition
• Child development groups
• Special instruction
• Family counseling and parental support groups
• Assistive technology and devices
• Respite (temporary care for a child with disabilities)
• Transportation

Transition to Early Childhood Special Education

 
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 Living Outside NYC

 
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.
 

RESOURCES

CHILDREN 3-4 YEARS-OLD

Evaluation Request and Individualized Education Plan with the Committe on Pre-school special education (CPSE)

Children over the age of three who are suspected of having developmental delays or have been diagnosed with disabilities may be eligible for special education programs and supports through the local school district’s special education program. In NYC, the special education preschool and school age children are coordinated by the Department of Education (DOE).

 
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.
 

Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

 
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.
 

RESOURCES

• IEP Process
  www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/the-iep-process
• IEP Meeting
  www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/the-iep-process/iep-meeting

CHILDREN 5 YEARS-OLD AND OLDER

Individualized Educational Plan

 
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.
 

Quick links

• EI                                     nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/early-intervention.page
• CPSE                             schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education
• Find a School Tool    schoolsearch.schools.nyc
• IEP Letter Template   parentcenterhub.org/evaluation-2/

 
Updated on August 5, 2024.