Early Intervention Program

•  The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program funded by New York State and county governments for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. 

• 3 years and younger
• has a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State

• There is no cost to the family. The health insurance may be accessed for reimbursement for early intervention services

• If you live in NYC, you can call 311 to make a referral. Municipality will arrange for service providers, considering the individual needs of the child and family, to deliver authorized services. You may request that your initial service coordinator is from LTE Care Plus Inc.
• If you live in other part of New York State: A municipal Early Intervention Official (EIO) designated by the chief elected official of the municipality/county administers the Early Intervention Program locally. Contact your EIO for information about your local program or to refer a child. For information about the statewide program, contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention at:                                                     (518) 473-7016 or e-mail beipub@health.ny.gov. 
• Early Intervention Program Referral Form DOH-5775 English (PDF)  ( it also comes in different languages)

• If your child is found eligible for the EIP, LTE Care Plus’s ISC will work with you to get through the whole process. All needed early intervention services must be authorized by the municipality, and it is a collaboration effort.

•  Services are usually provided at Child’s home or local areas. However, if early intervention services are delivered in child care settings or community locations that require a fee, you are responsible for paying any associated costs with such access to child care or community locations. 

Service Coordination is the heart of the Early Intervention Program. It ensures that families are supported, informed, and empowered at every step of their child’s developmental journey.

•  Initial Service Coordinator (ISC):
      Once a referral is made, an ISC reaches out to the family to explain the Early Intervention Program, outline parental rights, and guide them through the evaluation process. The ISC helps families choose an evaluation agency, obtains consent, and supports them through the initial IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) meeting.
• Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC):
      After the IFSP is developed, the OSC steps in to make sure services start and continue smoothly. They check in regularly with the family, provide support as needs change, and help connect families with other community resources. OSCs also help families plan for what comes next as their child approaches age 3 — including transitioning to preschool special education or other supports if needed.

Every child referred to Early Intervention is entitled to a comprehensive evaluation to determine their strengths, needs, and eligibility for services. Families choose from a list of approved evaluation agencies. The evaluation may include input from professionals such as special educators, therapists, and psychologists — all working together to understand how the child is developing and how they can be supported.

ABA uses structured, evidence-based strategies to help young children build important life skills. These may include communication, social interaction, play, self-help, and managing behavior. ABA can be especially helpful for children with autism or learning challenges, and is tailored to each child’s unique strengths and goals. 

OT helps young children engage in everyday activities like eating, playing, dressing, and interacting with others. Therapists focus on fine motor skills, sensory regulation, daily routines, and social development to increase independence and comfort in daily life.

PT supports movement, strength, and coordination. Physical therapists help children achieve milestones like sitting, crawling, standing, walking, or using adaptive equipment. Therapy sessions are active, engaging, and always designed with play in mind.

Speech therapists help children improve how they understand and express language. Therapy focuses on communication skills such as speaking, listening, following directions, and sometimes feeding or swallowing when needed. 

Special Instructors are certified early childhood special educators. They help children learn through play, routines, and social interactions — supporting cognitive, social, and emotional development. SI sessions may occur in the home or in community settings, always in partnership with families.