Overview of the Early Intervention Program

Program Description

The Early Intervention Program is a federally funded program that provides services to children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. In New York City the program is administered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which contracts with private agencies to provide services. A child does not have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for services.

Type of Services

Many services are provided to children with disabilities and their families through the Early Intervention Program. They include: family training, counseling, home visits, parent support groups; medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes; nursing services; nutrition services; occupational and physical therapy; psychological services; service coordination; social work; special instruction; vision; health services need to allow the child to benefit from other early intervention services; speech and language pathology, audiology (hearing care); assistive technology services and devices; transportation to and from Early Intervention services.

Cost

If a child is eligible for the Early Intervention program, the family will not have to pay for the services the child receives, regardless of the family’s income.