EARLY INTERVENTION

Early Intervention Program (EIP)

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a publicly funded program that provides services for children under the age of three who are suspected of having, or are at risk for, developmental delays or disabilities. Potentially eligible children must be referred to the county program to access EIP services. Children can be referred to the EIP for an evaluation by a parent, the child’s pediatrician, EIP Agency qualified personnel, or anyone who suspects that the child has a developmental delay. The Early Intervention Program is available to children and families, regardless of income status. All information provided by a parent or guardian about the child and family is kept completely confidential.

Nassau & Suffolk County Early Intervention Program

To refer a child to the EIP, the County EIP where the child lives must be called:

New York City: 311
Nassau County: 516-227-8661
Suffolk County: 631-853-3100

The Early Intervention Program is funded by New York State and county governments. All EIP services are provided at no out of pocket cost to parents. If services are delivered in childcare settings or community locations that require a fee, the parent is responsible for paying said fee – i.e. private daycare tuition. In addition, a child’s health insurance 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. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only by 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.

If a child is found eligible for the EIP, all necessary EIP services are identified, in collaboration with the parent, and must be 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.

Theralympic Speech is approved as an EIP Agency by the New York State Department of Health, as a provider of EIP Evaluations and Therapy Services, and may also assist families and others in the referral of a child.

Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE)

Theralympic Speech is approved by New York State Education Department to evaluate children for the New York State CPSE Program. Parents concerned about the development of their preschool child (ages 3-5) should refer their child to their School District’s Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to request an evaluation. Through the CPSE, parents select the NY State Education Department authorized evaluator they wish to assess their child. Only the CPSE determines eligibility and authorization of services. The CPSE program is funded and monitored by the New York State Education Department as well as regional County governments. All authorized services are provided at no cost to the parents.

– We offer services through CPSE and Early Intervention in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

– Questions about the Early Intervention program? Email our Early Intervention coordinator Nicole Aharoni at [email protected]