EARLY INTERVENTION (EI)

In Fulton County, the Early Intervention Program is run through the Fulton County Public Health Department. The New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention is responsible for the oversight of the program.

The Early Intervention Program provides therapy and special education services to eligible children ages birth to 3 with qualifying developmental delays and/or diagnosed disabilities. Anyone can make a referral to the EI Program with parent/caregiver agreement. Children receive evaluations from state approved evaluation teams that include at least two professionals, one who evaluates overall development and one specializing in the child’s area of delay.

If the child is determined eligible, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with the parents/caregivers within 45 days from the date of referral. The IFSP services are intended to help

the child and family to achieve goals developed by the family. Meetings are held every six months to review these goals and/or revise the plan.

Services include, but are not limited to, speech therapy, special instruction, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Families are provided with a Service Coordinator to provide case management.

The Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) meetings are held 2- 3 times per year to discuss issues within the Early Intervention Program. Families and providers are encouraged to attend and participate in these meetings. Parental input is most essential to this program.

The Early Intervention Program is a voluntary program to families.

For more information on Early Intervention, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/

For questions on your child’s developmental milestones, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

The Early Intervention Program provides therapy and special education services to children ages birth to 3 with qualifying developmental delays and/or diagnosed disabilities.

Services include things such as speech therapy, special instruction, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Anyone can make a referral to the EI Program with parent agreement. EI is a voluntary program. Service Coordinators provide case management.

An evaluation team comprised of at least two professionals, one who evaluates overall development and one specializing in the child’s area of delay, assess the child in their natural environment.

If the child is determined eligible, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with the parents within 45 days from the date of referral to discuss EI services that might help the child reach his or her developmental goals. Meetings are held every six months to review these goals and/or revise the plan.

The EI Program also provides individual therapy services to the child and parent teaching in their natural environment. Individual therapists and provider agencies are approved by the State of New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention.

Local Early Intervention Council Committee (LEICC) meetings are held 2- 3 times per year to discuss issues in Early Intervention.

Parental input is most essential to this program.