The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides services and supports to eligible infants and toddlers under three years of age who have developmental delays or disabilities and their families.

Children who live in New York State may be eligible if they have a diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, or a developmental delay that meets New York State eligibility criteria.

A diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay means a child has a diagnosed condition that is known to increase the likelihood of developmental delays. Examples include Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, vision impairment, and other diagnosed conditions recognized by the New York State Early Intervention Program.

A developmental delay means a child is behind in one or more areas of development. A child's developmental delay is determined by qualified professionals using appropriate evaluation procedures and tools, informed clinical opinion, observations, medical records, and information shared by parents and caregivers.

To be eligible based on a developmental delay, a child must meet one or more of the following New York State eligibility criteria:

• A 12-month delay in one area of development.
• A 33 percent delay in one area of development.
• A 25 percent delay in two areas of development.
• A score of at least 2 standard deviations below the mean in one area of development.
• A score of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the mean in two areas of development.

Your child's evaluation looks at the following areas of development:

• Cognitive – Thinking, learning, and problem-solving.
• Physical – Gross motor skills, fine motor skills, vision, hearing, sensory development, and oral motor, feeding, and swallowing skills.
• Communication – Understanding and using language, speech, and other forms of communication.
• Social-Emotional – Building relationships, expressing feelings, and interacting with others.
• Adaptive – Everyday self-help skills, such as eating, dressing, toileting, and sleeping.

For children whose only area of delay is communication, different eligibility criteria may apply. When standardized tests are not available, are not appropriate for the child, or do not accurately reflect a child's developmental level, qualified professionals may use informed clinical opinion, along with other evaluation information, consistent with New York State Department of Health regulations and guidance.

A parent or caregiver, healthcare provider, childcare provider, social worker, or another professional who has concerns about a child's development can refer a child to the Early Intervention Program.

Every child referred to the Early Intervention Program has the right to receive a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine whether they are eligible for services.

For a child with a diagnosed condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, eligibility for the Early Intervention Program may be established through a review of appropriate medical or other child records, with written parental consent. A multidisciplinary assessment and a voluntary family-directed assessment are then completed to identify the child's strengths and needs and support the development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Please see the Checklist for Growing Children  and the Early Intervention Steps: A Parent's Basic Guide to the Early Intervention Program for more information.