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Early Intervention & Preschool Special Education
Early Intervention Program
The Early Intervention Program (EI) provides services to children under the age of three (3) who are delayed in their development or have a diagnosed disability. Areas of delay may be in one or more of the following:
• Physical development - including hearing and vision
• Learning or Cognitive development
• Speech or Language development
• Social or Emotional development
• Self-help Skills
Eligibility for the Early Intervention Program
Any family residing in Washington County with a child under the age of 3 who meets the criteria of delay or who has a qualifying diagnosis is eligible. Eligibility is determined by evaluation in accordance with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines or a diagnosis included in a NYSDOH list. These evaluations are conducted by a NYS approved evaluation agency selected by the parent.
Applying for the Early Intervention Program
1) Discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician! Pediatricians provide developmental surveillance at every well child visit. If there are concerns, your pediatrician can refer to the Early Intervention Program. As a parent you may also refer your child to the Early Intervention Program (EI) by calling 518-746-2400.
2) The next step will be your child's evaluation to determine eligibility. If your child is eligible for the program, your Service Coordinator will assist you in developing a family-centered plan. Most services are provided at home, at your day care, Head Start, or other appropriate community program. Your Service Coordinator can assist you with other issues, such as connecting you to health insurance programs, other community resources, and information on child development.
More information about the Early Intervention Program can be found at:
www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/index.htm
Pediatricians: Click Image for Printable PDF Referral Form that you can Fax to the EI Program
Click Below to go to Early Intervention Steps
Click Below to go to Early Help makes a Difference
Preschool Special Education Program
This program serves preschool children ages 3-5 years old. Eligibility for services is determined by a child's individual school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
If your preschool child received Early Intervention services as an infant or toddler up to age three and may still need special education services, your Service Coordinator will help you with transition planning and making a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
If your preschool child did not receive Early Intervention services but has some delays such as difficulty in talking, moving around, thinking, or learning or is facing physical or behavioral changes - you, or professionals who know your child, may make a referral to the Chairperson of your school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) who will assist you in completing the referral process.
Eligibility for the Preschool Program
Eligibility is determined following Part 200 of the New York State Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The State Education Department is the lead agency for implementing Part B of the Federal Regulations. http://www.nysed.gov/
Applying for the Preschool Program
For a referral to the Preschool Special Education Program, contact the CPSE office of the school district that you reside in:
Argyle Central School 518-638-8243
Cambridge Central School 518-677-8527
Fort Ann Central School 518-639-5594
Fort Edward Union Free School 518-747-4529
Granville Central School 518-642-1051
Greenwich Central School 518-692-9542
Hartford Central School 518-632-5222
Hoosick Falls Central School 518-686-0197
Hoosick Valley Central School 518-753-4458
Hudson Falls Central School 518-747-2121
Putnam Central School 518-547-8266
Salem Central School 518-854-6020
Schuylerville Central School 518-692-3255
Whitehall Central School 518-499-1771
CDC's Developmental Milestones
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.).
Visti the CDC's page for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Print the CDC's Milestone Checklist (PDF): CDC Milestone Checklist
SafeKids Video Series for Families of Children with Special Needs
This video series provides educational instruction on household safety for parents, caregivers and relatives of children with special needs.
Visit the SafeKids page to view all of the videos:
https://www.safekids.org/video/video-series-families-children-special-needs
New York State Department of Health Autism Training Video: Module 1
In this first video, we’ll spend a few minutes discussing Developmental Milestones in young children and how it relates to Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD.
New York State Department of Health Autism Training Video: Module 2
In this second video, we’re going to learn more about autism itself, and how it’s diagnosed.
New York State Department of Health Autism Training Video: Module 3
In this third video, we’ll take a closer look at the red flags, or possible “clinical clues” or signs of possible ASD in toddlers 15 to 24 months of age that would cause concern in both parents and physicians.
New York State Department of Health Autism Training Video: Module 4
In this video, we’re going to hear about autism from a parent’s perspective, and discover the true power of early intervention
New York State Department of Health Autism Training Video: Module 5
In this last video of the series, we’re going to provide you with a list of New York State and National Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder that you can use and share with others