Early Intervention
Program Overview
Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides therapies and intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria for the Early Intervention Program
Children under the age of three who have a disability or meet program criteria for developmental delay are eligible for EI services. The Child must be a resident of Cayuga County and he/she can be referred by a physician, daycare provider, parent, or other adult involved in the child’s life.
How Is Eligibility Determined?
A child who is referred to EI because of a diagnosed condition that often leads to developmental delay, such as Down Syndrome, will always be eligible for EI services. If your child has a delay in development but no diagnosed condition, a multidisciplinary evaluation will be provided to determine eligibility. Eligibility criteria is defined in the NYS regulation that governs the EI Program; the evaluation team will compare your child’s performance/behavior with that criteria. Performing this evaluation helps determine what EI services may or may not be needed. The child’s and family’s strengths and needs will be examined during the multidisciplinary evaluation process.
What Services Are Provided?
Early intervention services are services that are:
- Aimed at meeting children’s developmental needs and helping parents move their child towards age-appropriate behavior
- Included in an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) agreed upon by the parent and the Early Intervention Official.
Examples of Services
Your child may be eligible for:
- Service Coordination
- Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapies and Special Instruction Services
- Assistive Technology such as Gait Trainers, Adaptive Seating, Hearing Aids, etc.
- Assistance to community resources identified by families
- Transportation and Respite Services
Find more information on Early Intervention in Cayuga County and New York State.