Early Intervention
Children under age 3 who are not learning, playing, growing, talking or walking like other children their age may be eligible for early intervention services.
In New York, the state Department of Health - or, in New York City, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - coordinates early intervention services.
Who can receive Early Intervention?
Children who are eligible for early intervention:
- are between the ages of birth and 3 years
- have an identified developmental delay (physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive) based on formal testing and assessment, or a diagnosed disability
Referring a child to Early Intervention
New York City
Anyone (including parents, caregivers, doctors, and community members) may refer young children to the Early Intervention program using the city's Early Intervention Program Referral Portal, which was introduced in 2025. The confidential referral form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Administration for Children's Services (ACS) employees or agencies contracted with ACS should call the citywide ACS referral hotline at 877-885-KIDZ to make a referral.
Families and the public may:
- call 311 and ask for early intervention
- complete the New York City Early Intervention Referral Form and fax it to 347-396-8801
Regional Office Contact Information:
New York State
Call the "Growing Up Healthy" Hotline:
1-800-522-5006
Available 24 hours a day
Or contact your municipal Early Intervention Official (EIO) directly for local assistance.
Becoming an Early Intervention provider
Early intervention services are delivered by qualified professionals who are licensed, certified or registered in their discipline and approved by the Department of Health. Learn more about becoming an early intervention provider in New York State.
Services Provided
Early intervention services can include:
- Evaluation services (including hearing and vision screening)
- Home visits
- Speech, physical and other therapies
- Nursing and nutrition
- Child development groups
- Special instruction
- Family counseling and parental support groups
Service Locations
Early intervention services can be provided anywhere in the child's community, including:
- The child's home
- Early childhood programs and centers (including family day care homes)
- Recreational centers, play groups, playgrounds, libraries, or any other natural environment in the community