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
Website
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are a part of public education. They are given to eligible kids who attend public school. That includes charter schools. Furthermore, students with IEPs participate in the same admissions processes as their non-disabled peers. All schools serve students with disabilities.
An IEP is a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need to make progress and thrive in school. The term IEP is also used to refer to the written plan that spells out the specific types of help kids will get.
IEP handout and template letter of request for an evaluation
Spanish IEP handout and template letter of request for an evaluation
El Plan de Educación Individualizado (IEP en inglés) es un mapa que ilustra las instrucciones, apoyos, y servicios del programa de educación especial que los niños necesitan para mejorar en la escuela.
El término IEP también se refiere al plan escrito que detalla los tipos de ayuda específica que el niño va a recibir. Carta modelo para solicitar una evaluación al rector de la escuela (para su niño de 6 o más años)
.
schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/preschool-to-age-21/moving-to-preschool
Contact Your District’s Committee on Preschool Special Education Services by email
311
The Early Intervention (EI) Program provides services to families concerned about their child’s development. These services are provided free of charge to families.
If you are concerned about your child’s development and you are interested in a preschool special education evaluation, you can write a letter to your local Committee of Preschool Special Education CPSE . This letter is called an “initial referral” and it must be made in writing.
Requesting special education services handout (English).
Hoja informativa acerca de cómo solicitar servicios de educación especial/Requesting special education services handout (Spanish).
Preschool Special Education Services Template Letter (English)
Carta modelo para solicitar servicios de educación especial con instrucciones en espñol/Preschool Special Education Services Template Letter with Spanish instructions.
You may provide the referral to your CPSE in person, by fax, or by mail. To find out which CPSE covers your child’s home address and to get your CPSE office’s contact information visit this website. You will need to know your child’s school district. To find that district, look up your school’s address with the Find a School tool.
El Programa de Intervención Temprana (EI por sus siglas en inglés) ofrece servicios a familias con preocupaciones acerca del desarrollo de su hijo/a sin ningún costo. Si está interesado en una evaluación, escriba una carta al CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) local.
Esta primera carta es la “remisión inicial” y debe ser escrita. Carta modelo para solicitar una evaluacion para obtener servicios de educación especial durante el pre-escolar.
Entregue la carta en persona o envíela por fax o email. Para encontrar el CPSE que cubre el domicilio de su niño, visite esta página. Necesitará conocer el distrito de la escuela de su hijo para localizar su CPSE. Para encontrar el distrito, visite Find a School tool. En la página Find a School Tool localice en el menú superior “Select language” y seleccione “Spanish”.
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
44 Holland Avenue, Albany NY 12229
(866) 946-9733
info@opwdd.ny.gov
The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a state agency that provides services to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many children with IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) classifications of Intellectual Disability (ID), Multiple Disabilities (MD), or Autism qualify for OPWDD services.
Understanding the process of applying to OPWDD services can be confusing. Advocates for Children has created a helpful resource to help you navigate the steps involved when you apply for special needs services for your child. Access the guidance document here.
