Early Intervention Program

Logo for the Ulster County Early Intervention Program, Department of Social Services

The earlier, the better!

The Ulster County Early Intervention Program provides appropriate interventions to support the development of children with special needs from birth through three years of age. The goal of the Early Intervention Program is to help families help their children learn and develop.

If you care for a child younger than 3  years old who you think may have a delay or disability, the Early Intervention Program can help!

Want to learn more? The New York State Department of Health has produced a helpful booklet for parents: The Early Intervention Program: A Parent's Guide

Early intervention services are confidential, voluntary, and free for families, regardless of income, immigration, or insurance status.

If you have health insurance, including Medicaid, it may be used to pay for Early Intervention services at no cost to you.

How it Works

You Know Your Child Best

Do you have concerns about the way your baby or toddler plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves?

Getting help early makes a difference!

Step 1.Referral

Typically, professionals like your pediatrician refer children to the program. 

If you have concerns about your child, you can also self-refer by completing the New York State DOH Program Referral form.

Return the form by fax to (845) 334-5227 or by mail or in-person to:

Ulster County Early Intervention Program
1071 Development Court
Kingston, NY 12401
 

If you have any questions or would like assistance completing the form, please call us at (845) 334-5251. You can also call the “Growing Up Healthy” 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-522-5006.

Step 2.Initial Service Coordinator Meeting

Your Initial Service Coordinator (ISC) will reach out to speak with you about your concerns for your child's development. They will explain the evaluation process, and answer any questions you may have.

Step 3.Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE)

If you choose to proceed, your ISC will help you select an evaluator from an approved list and schedule an evaluation for your child. This evaluation may include a health screening, review of medical records, and an interview with you.

A team of qualified professionals from different disciplines will assess your child's development. The results of this evaluation will determine if your child is eligible for the program.

Step 4.Enrollment & Care Plan

If your child is eligible for the program, we will assign a team to your child that will include teachers, therapists, a service coordinator, and an Early Intervention Official Designee.

Together, your team will develop a plan and identify services based on your concerns, priorities, and resources. They will work with you to meet your child's and your family's goals.

Eligible children are between the ages of birth and three years, with an identified developmental delay (behind in at least one area including physical, cognitive, communication, adaptive skills, and/or social/emotional development, based on formal testing and assessment or confirmed diagnosis.)

Children may continue to receive EI services until their third birthday, at which point the child may transition to an appropriate preschool special education program, if eligible.

If your child qualifies for early intervention, services may include:

  • Service Coordination
  • Special Education
  • Speech-Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Social Work
  • Nutrition
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Respite

 

Services are provided in a natural environment.

Potential sites include:

  • home
  • day care
  • community
  • nursery school
  • special education groups
  • telehealth services