Early Intervention

The Early Intervention (EI) Program provides evaluations and services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Authorized through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), EI services are provided at no cost to families. Families may have their zero-to-three child evaluated when concerns arise with regard to their development. If the evaluation reveals developmental delay that meets eligibility criteria established by the state, the child can receive services to address the delay and service coordination.

Developmental concerns may be in one of the following domains: physical/motor, cognitive, communication, social-emotional or adaptive (self-help). Children with an established diagnosed physical or medical condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay are also eligible. Qualified personnel (i.e. child care & health care providers) must refer a child suspected of needing EI services (unless the parent objects). In New York State, the Department of Health (DOH) runs the EI Program.

New York State Department of Health (DOH) website:

Early Intervention (EI) Program Mission and Goals

The Early Intervention Program: A Parent’s Guide

Early Intervention Program Data and Statistics

Early Intervention Program Regulations, Laws and Reimbursement Rates

Advocates for Children’s Guide to Early Intervention, January 2011.


Federal Information & Resources:

U.S. Dept. of Education website:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, Sec. 601. Findings and Policy

EI Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Regulations and Statutes 
                                                                     
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Part C: Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities, Final Regulations Side-by-Side Comparison. October 2011.


Other Resources:

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center:

The Importance of Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families, July 2011.

Fact Sheet: Vulnerable Young Children, May 2008.

Zero to Three:

A Call to Action on Behalf of Maltreated Infants & Toddlers, 2011.

Early Intervention for Abused and Neglected Infants & Toddlers

Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, policy brief. 2009.

Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University:

InBrief Series and Science of Early Childhood

Build Initiative: Special Needs - Early Intervention

Early Intervention For Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families: Participants, Service, and Outcomes. January 2007. Final Report of the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) SRI International.

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