Early Intervention Helps Make a Difference

The early years of a child’s life are very important.

The Early Intervention Program is a statewide program that provides many different types of early intervention services to infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay and/or disability. In New York State, the Department of Health is the lead state agency responsible for the Early Intervention Program.

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for infants and toddlers with special needs. Children with diagnosed conditions that lead to developmental delays (such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.) are eligible for the EIP. Children with no diagnosis who have delays in development may be eligible for the EIP services. Eligibility can only be established by state approved agencies with an active contract with County or Municipality. If a child is found eligible, all needed EI services are identified in collaboration with the parent and approved by County or Municipality.

Early Intervention Services authorized by your County are provided at no cost to you. County or Municipality will arrange for service providers to deliver authorized services. Your child’s health insurance may be used to cover some of the costs. All other costs for EIP services are paid for by your county and New York State.

For Early Intervention services delivered in child care settings or community locations that require a fee, the parent is responsible for paying any costs associated with such settings or locations.
C.A.R.D. is approved by New York State Dept. of Health and currently contracts with Monroe and Westchester County to provide Special Education services.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, call the Early Intervention Program in your County.

For the phone number of your county’s program, call:
New York State “Growing Up Healthy” 24-hour Hotline at 1-(800)522-5006

Monroe County Early Intervention Program (585) 753-5437

Westchester County Early Intervention Program (914) 813-5094

Bureau of Early Intervention Division of Family Health New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower, Room 287 Albany, New York 12237-0660 518-473-7016 518-486-1090 (FAX)

To learn more about the Early Intervention Program, visit: http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/infants_children/early_intervention/index.htm