Early Intervention 101
What is Early Intervention?
A plain-language guide for parents who are just learning about the Early Intervention (EI) program. We’ll walk you through what it is, who qualifies, what it costs, and how to get started — without the jargon.
Early Intervention (often shortened to “EI”) is a federally-funded program for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay, disability, or are at risk of one. It exists because research consistently shows that the earlier we support a child’s development, the more impact that support has.
In New York, EI is administered by the State Department of Health under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each county runs its own EI program, with a designated Early Intervention Official (EIO) overseeing referrals, evaluations, and services.
Services can include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction (special education), social work, family training, and service coordination — all delivered in your child’s natural environment.
How much does it cost?
Early Intervention is completely free to families in New York. The program is funded through federal, state, and county sources, plus insurance billing where applicable.
You will never receive a bill from us or from EI — regardless of your income, immigration status, or insurance situation.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for EI?
A child can qualify for Early Intervention services in one of two ways:
Documented developmental delay
A multidisciplinary evaluation confirms that your child has a delay in one or more developmental areas: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive (self-help). The state defines specific thresholds, but the evaluation team interprets them in context of your child as a whole.
Diagnosed condition
Your child has a medical or developmental diagnosis with a high probability of resulting in delay — for example, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or premature birth with complications. These children can qualify automatically.
Not sure if your concern fits? Reach out anyway. A free EI evaluation costs you nothing and can help you understand whether your child needs services — even if the answer is "your child is doing great, just keep doing what you're doing."
How it works
The Early Intervention process, step by step.
Referral
You — or your pediatrician, daycare provider, anyone — refers your child to your county's Early Intervention program. In NYC, you call 311 or go through the NYC EI program directly. In Nassau or Westchester, you contact the county Department of Health. You don't need a doctor's referral. You can refer your own child.
Initial service coordinator assigned
Within a few days, you'll be assigned an Initial Service Coordinator (ISC) who guides you through the rest of the process. They explain your rights, gather basic info, and help schedule the evaluation.
Free evaluation
A team of qualified evaluators meets with your child (and you) in your home or another comfortable location. They assess all five developmental areas and write up a report. This evaluation is completely free, regardless of whether your child qualifies.
IFSP meeting
If your child qualifies, you and the team write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — a detailed plan of what services your child will receive, how often, and what goals you're working toward. You're a full participant in this meeting; the plan reflects your priorities.
Services begin
An ongoing service coordinator (often the same person, often someone new) helps you select an agency. That agency — Achievable Milestones, for example — sends credentialed providers to deliver the services in your IFSP. Sessions happen in your home or natural environment, on a schedule that fits your family.
Reviews and updates
Your IFSP is reviewed every 6 months and rewritten annually. As your child grows and goals are met, the plan changes with them. You can request changes at any time.
Things parents often ask
Common myths, debunked.
✕Myth: "I need a doctor's referral."
Truth: False. Anyone can refer a child to EI — including you, the parent. No prescription needed.
✕Myth: "If my child gets EI, they'll be 'labeled.'"
Truth: EI participation doesn't go on any permanent record. Records are confidential and stay with the program. There's no impact on school applications, insurance, or anything else.
✕Myth: "My pediatrician said to 'wait and see' — so I should."
Truth: Sometimes. But research strongly favors early intervention over waiting. If your gut is telling you to seek an evaluation, trust it. The evaluation is free and you'll get expert input either way.
✕Myth: "EI is only for children with serious disabilities."
Truth: Not true. EI serves children with a wide spectrum of needs — from mild speech delays to significant developmental disabilities. Many EI graduates go on to need no further services.
✕Myth: "If I get private therapy, I can't also do EI."
Truth: You can sometimes do both, depending on the situation. EI services are free; private therapy may have specific advantages too. We can help you think through what's right for your family.
✕Myth: "My child is too young to be evaluated."
Truth: EI serves children from birth. If your newborn or young infant has a documented condition or developmental concern, they can be evaluated and start receiving services right away.
What happens at age 3?
The transition to preschool special education.
EI ends on a child's third birthday. If your child still needs services, they transition to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) through your local school district. Your EI service coordinator will help you start that transition process around 6 months before your child turns 3.
CPSE services look different from EI — they're often delivered at preschool programs rather than at home. But the transition is structured to be smooth, and we'll be there to support your family through it.
Have a question we didn't answer?
Every family's situation is different. Reach out and we'll talk through it — no pressure, no obligation.