I am looking to have my child evaluated under the Early Intervention Program. What should I do?
You may contact your local municipality EIP program directly to have your child evaluated at no out of pocket cost to you regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status . If you would like assistance in the referral of your child to the EIP, All About Kids can help you by contacting the EIP directly for you with your child's information along with your concerns. At the same time we will describe the process to you step by step to let you know what to expect and answer any questions you may have. Contact All About Kids for more information about our services and how we can help.
State Information
Infants and toddlers who are under three (3) years old and may need services must first be referred to the Early Intervention Program (EIP) in the county where they live in order to access services. All counties and boroughs in New York State (NYS) have an EIP. Parents can refer their own child to the EIP if they have a concern about their child’s development. Professionals, such as your child’s pediatrician, EIP agency qualified personnel, or anyone who suspects that the child has a developmental delay, can also refer your infant or toddler to the EIP or help you with your child’s referral. To refer a child to the EIP, the EIP in the county where the child resides must be called by the child's parent or referring professional:
- New York City: 311
- Nassau County: 516-227-8661
- Suffolk County: 631-853-3100
- Westchester County: 914-813-5094
- Orange County: 845-360-6630
- Ulster County: 845-334-5251
- Dutchess County: 845-486-3982
- Putnam County: 845-808-1390
- NYS Growing Up Healthy Hotline: 800-522-5006
Following the referral to the EIP, a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation is performed by qualified professionals to determine a child's eligibility for EI services..Once a child is determined as eligible, a representative of the evaluation team, county EI official, service coordinator , the child's parents, and anyone else requested by the parents, meet and collaboratively develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which indicates the services authorized by the municipality. The municipality together with the parent will select the provider agency or agencies that will work with the child and family.
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is funded by New York State and county governments. EI services are provided at no cost to families, regardless of income or immigration status and are confidential and voluntary. If services are delivered in childcare settings or community locations that require a fee, the parent is responsible for any costs associated with accessing the childcare or community location – i.e. private daycare tuition. In addition, a child’s health insurance, including private insurance and Medicaid, may be used to cover some of the costs for approved services. Health insurance, however, is not required to participate in the Early Intervention Program. but if it is used, it will NOT affect your child's or family's coverage , premiums, require co-pays or reduce benefits. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only be state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the county. Parents and guardians choose the evaluators from a list of EIP providers list, which will be given to the family by an EI Service Coordinator.
All About Kids is approved as an Early Intervention Porgram Agency by the New York Department of Health, to provide EIP Evaluations and Therapy Services and offers convenient and flexible appointments for evaluations and services at child’s home, daycare, school. AAK may also assist families and others in the referral of their child.