Welcome to the Early Intervention Program

The early years of a child's life are very important. During the infant and toddler years, children grow quickly and have so much to learn. Some children and families face special challenges and need extra help. Early help does make a difference!

The Early Intervention Program is a statewide program that provides many different types of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. In New York State, the Department of Health is the lead state agency responsible for the Early Intervention Program.

Early Intervention services can help you and your family:

  • Learn the best ways to care for your child.
  • Support and promote your child's development.
  • Include your child in your family and community life.

Early Intervention services can be provided anywhere in the community, including:

  • Your home.
  • Your child care center or family day care home.
  • Recreational centers, play groups, playgrounds, libraries, or any place parents and children go for fun and support.
  • Early childhood programs and centers.

As a parent, you help decide:

  • What early intervention services your child and family need.
  • The outcomes of early intervention that are important for your child and family.
  • When and where your child and family will get early intervention services.
  • Who will provide services to your child and family.

You are the most important person in your child's life. You know your child best. You understand your child's needs, and what is helpful and what is not. You have the most information about – and responsibility for – your child's growth and development. In a world of professional titles, consider yourself a FAMILY INFORMATION SPECIALIST!

If you think the Early Intervention Program can help you and your child, there are six steps to follow. A Parent's Guide to the Early Intervention Program starts by telling you about some of the basic facts about the Early Intervention Program. Then, A Parent's Guide explains each step to follow – and gives you tips on how to make early intervention work best for your child and family.

You are an important person in the Early Intervention Program. This is your book – it was written for parents, with the help of parents. We hope it will make your job as a parent a little easier!

Important Contact Information

For more information about the Early Intervention Program and its services, contact:

For more information about early intervention, local phone numbers for your county Early Intervention Program, and other child-related services, contact:

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