Early Intervention

Birth Through 3 years old

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. First created by Congress in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the EIP is administered by the New York State Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention. In New York State, the Early Intervention Program is established in Article 25 of the Public Health Law and has been in effect since July 1, 1993.

To be eligible for services, children must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.

Early Intervention Services

The Early Intervention Program offers a variety of therapeutic and support services to eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, including:

  • assistive technology devices and services

  • audiology

  • family education and counseling, home visits, and parent support groups

  • nursing services

  • nutrition services

  • occupational therapy

  • physical therapy

  • psychological services

  • service coordination

  • social work services

  • special instruction

  • speech pathology

  • vision services

How to Refer a Child to the Early Intervention Program

A municipal Early Intervention Official (EIO) designated by the chief elected official of the municipality/county administers the Early Intervention Program locally. Contact your EIO for information about your local program or to refer a child. For information about the statewide program, contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention at (518) 473-7016 or e-mail beipub@health.ny.gov.

Who Do I Call if My Child is Suspected of Having a Developmental Delay?

Suffolk County Health Department

Division of Services for Children with Special Needs

Phone: 631-853-3100

Growing Up Healthy Hotline

Phone: 1-800-522-5006

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