Early Intervention (ages birth to 3) (Jump to our Preschool information)

We know that your child’s development is very important to you. We’re here to help!  The Early Intervention Program was first created in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and has been in effect in New York since 1993.  Children are eligible for services if they are under the age of three and have a confirmed developmental delay or a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.

To see a guide to typical development, see our Guide to Growth.

If you suspect that your infant or toddler has difficulty with:
• Listening/speaking skills
• Physical development/coordination
• Play skills
• Daily living skills (i.e. eating, dressing)

…Netcare’s team of evaluators and therapists can make a difference.  They are specially trained to provide children with the opportunity to develop their full potential and to help you further promote their development.

Services are available in your child’s natural environment – at home or at a daycare center – weekdays or weekends – daytime and evening hours.

Our services include:
• Evaluations
• Speech Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Special Instruction
• Family Training
• Social Work
• Nutrition
• Service Coordination

Family Centered Services

Early Intervention is a public program funded by New York State and County governments.  Netcare, Inc. is approved as a provider of early intervention services and contracted with New York City to deliver services to eligible children.  Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to parents, though your child’s health insurance may be accessed to cover the costs.  Eligibility for EI can only be determined by state approved evaluators contracted by New York City. Services are determined at the time of the service planning meeting in collaboration with the parent and must be authorized by the City.  Service providers are arranged by the City.  Early Intervention does not pay for day care or other fees charged by community settings.

To find out if your child is eligible, call 311 and ask for Early Intervention. 

Recently, New York City implemented a new initiative under the Early Intervention Program known as Families as Partners (FAP).  This program works to harness family involvement to best meet the developmental goals of the eligible child.  New York City offers the following guidelines for getting the most from the Families as Partners program for both you and your child. Read more about FAP.

Preschool Evaluation Services (ages 3-5)

Our Preschool Evaluation Program evaluates children, ages three to five, for eligibility for preschool special education services.  Netcare’s preschool evaluation services are approved by the NYS Education Department and NYCDOE.  If you are interested in having your child evaluated for services, contact us at
718-677-4140 ext 214.