The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public service designed for young children with special needs, who are less than three (3) years of age, have who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay and/or disability. Children with conditions that cause developmental delays, like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, stuttering, articulation, feeding problems, expressive/receptive/pragmatic language delays, are eligible for the EIP Program. Additionally, children who don’t have a specific diagnosis but show significant developmental delays may also qualify.
If you are a parent who is concerned about your child’s development, you can contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention at (518) 473-7016 to make a referral, access early Intervention Program in NYC by dialing 311, or you may also contact someone else to help you with this referral. In order for your child to qualify for Early Intervention Program, he or she needs to be evaluated by an EI approved evaluation team to determine eligibility. Please note that eligibility for the EIP can be determined only by State-approved evaluators under contract with the New York City. If your child is found eligible for Early Intervention Program, all needed early intervention services will be identified in collaboration with the parent and must be authorized by the municipality. A team including you, NYC EIP staff, and other professionals will work together to create a plan to support your child and family.
Early Intervention Services that are part of your plan and approved by the New York City are provided at no cost to you. The county will organize these services and choose the provider based on what’s best for your child and family. Your child’s health insurance may cover some expenses, but all other costs for EIP services are covered by the county and New York State.
Early Intervention Services are delivered in environments best suited for your child to ensure the best outcomes for the child and family, such as your home, daycare, or community settings – a natural environment for your child. Pease note that the EIP covers only the cost of the early intervention services. When early intervention services are delivered in childcare settings or community locations that require a fee, the parent is responsible for paying any associated costs with such access to childcare or community locations.
Alena Mahas Speech-Language Pathology, PC. is authorized by New York State and has agreements with New York City (all 5 boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) to provide the following early intervention services: Speech Language Pathology.