Early Intervention Services
What is Early Intervention?
The New York Early Intervention Program (NYEIP) is a state-funded program to support infants and toddlers (from birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. The goal of EI is to enhance the development of children and provide support to families through individualized services.
Typical Development
Typical Development describes the physical, mental, and social development of a child acquiring skills according to the expected time frame. A child who is developing typically pays attention to the voices, faces, and actions of others, shows and shares pleasure during interactions, and engages in verbal and nonverbal back-and-forth communication.
What is Early Intervention?
NYS Early Intervention (EI) is a program provided by the New York State Department of Health that offers services to infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) who have developmental delays or disabilities. The program is designed to support children in reaching their full potential by providing individualized services and therapies in key developmental areas such as speech, physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy.
Early Intervention services are family-centered and focus on supporting parents and caregivers in their child’s development. Services are typically delivered in settings such as the home, daycare, or community-based environments, with the goal of fostering progress in communication, motor skills, social interactions, and other important developmental areas.
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities. Potentially eligible children must be referred to the county program to receive EIP services. EIP is funded by New York State and county governments. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program, can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the county.
Neurotypical Development
Neurotypical development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social milestones that children achieve within expected time frames. A neurotypical child shows interest in the voices, faces, and actions of others, expresses and shares joy during interactions, and participates in both verbal and nonverbal communication exchanges. While every child develops at their own pace, these are common markers of neurotypical development.
Milestones by Age
6 Months:
- Copies sounds
- Begins to sit without support
- Likes to play with others, esp. parents
- Responds to own name
- Strings vowels together when babbling (ah, eh, oh)
12 Months:
- Uses simple gestures such as shaking head for “no” or waving “bye bye”
- Copies gestures
- Responds to single-spoken requests
- Says “mama” and “dada”
- Pulls up to stand
18 Months:
- Points to show others something interesting
- Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
- Knows what ordinary things are for; for example, telephone, brush, spoon
- Walks alone
- Says several single words
2 Years:
- Says sentences with 2 to 4 words
- Gets excited when with other children
- Follows simple instructions
- Kicks a ball
- Points to things or pictures when they’re named
3 Years:
- Copies adults and friends (like running when other children run)
- Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
- Climbs well
- Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
- Shows affection for friends without prompting
Services We Provide
Serving Nassau, Suffolk Counties, and the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Types of Services
- Speech and Language Therapy to address communication delays.
- Physical Therapy to improve gross motor skills and mobility.
- Occupational Therapy to enhance fine motor skills and daily living activities.
- Special Instruction to develop developmental skills in targeted areas such as cognitive, social-emotional, communication and adaptive skills.
- ABA to improve specific behaviors and skills through structured interventions based on the principles of learning and behavior.
- Family Training and Support: Resources and strategies for parents to support their child’s development.
- Early Intervention Evaluations to ensure children who need services are getting them.
Service Settings (Natural Environment)
- Home
- NYT Kids Pediatric Therapy Centers
- Daycare/Preschool
Does My Child Need Early Intervention?
If you believe your child is not meeting developmental milestones, they may benefit from early intervention services. At New York Therapy Placement Services (NYTPS), we can guide you through the steps to have your child evaluated and receive the services they need, should they qualify. We’re here to support you in ensuring your child gets the help necessary for their success.
Parent Resources
Information and Guides
- NYS DOH: Information for Families
- NYS DOH: Social-Emotional Development
- NYS DOH: Autism
- NYS DOH: Early Intervention Steps: A Parent's Basic Guide to the Early Intervention Program
- NYS DOH: Parent's Questions and Answers
- NYS DOH: Municipal/County Contacts for the Early Intervention Program
- NYC DOE Guide: Early Intervention to Preschool Transition
- Early Intervention | Nassau County - Official Website
- Early Intervention | Suffolk County - Official Website
Bilingual Resources
Our Referral Process
Step 1: Contact Us
Parents can contact a New York Therapy Early Intervention Specialist to assist with the referral process by calling:
For Nassau/Suffolk County: 631-402-5386 or 631-469-3075
For NYC & 5 Boroughs: 516-342-7197
Families also have the option to contact DOH EI offices directly:
Nassau County: (516) 227-8661
Suffolk County: (631) 853-3100
NYC & the 5 Boroughs: 311
This is provided at no cost to families.
Step 2: Referring to DOH
If a family chooses New York Therapy Placement to assist them with the referral process, we will send a referral to the Department of Health in the county they reside in.
Step 3: EIOD Initiates Communication
An Early Intervention Official Designee (EIOD) or Initial Service Coordinator (ISC) will contact them within 10 days and will set up an appointment to meet with the parent or guardian.
Step 4: Choose Your Evaluation Agency
If an evaluation is warranted, the parent or guardian will be given a list of Early Intervention agencies and choose an agency to administer the evaluations. If they choose New York Therapy Placement Services, we would be happy to continue helping them through this process and will be available every step.
Step 5: New York Therapy Set Up Evaluations
If the family chooses New York Therapy Placement Services, we will set up all evaluations with them at mutually convenient dates/times.
Step 6: Individualized Family Service Plan Based On Eligibility
Once all evaluations are completed, if a child is deemed eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting will be held to review all evaluation results and to determine the type and frequency of services for the child.
Meet Our Early Intervention Team!
Elizabeth Atterole, MS, CCC-SLP/TSSLD-BE
Chief Clinical Officer
Sonu Sanghoee, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Director of Early Intervention
Long Island & NYC
Dana Hall, MS, LBA, BCBA
Director of
Behavioral Services
Amy Bosshard, MA, BCBA, LBA
Co-Director of EI Behavioral Services
Long Island
Lauren Schnabel, MS, BCBA, LBA
EI ABA Manager
Long Island
Sandra Roditti, MAT
EI Service Coordinator Supervisor
Long Island
Alyssa Santiago, MPPA
Ongoing Service Coordinator
Long Island
Jaime Dakers, LMSW
EI Evaluations Supervisor
Long Island
Ariana Cassiere, BS
EI Evaluations Coordinator
Long Island
Gina Dellapolla
EI Coordinator
Long Island
Rachel Gonzalez-Beach
EI Placement Coordinator
Long Island
Cynthia Alba, PTA
EI Service Coordinator Supervisor
NYC
Isabella Arboleda
EI Coordinator
NYC
Testimonials
From Providers
I worked at the Farmingdale NYTPS office for 4 years and only left because my husband and I moved. I truly enjoyed the corporate culture and everything about coming to work each day. Everyone is genuinely happy and cares about their jobs and the work that they do for children. The owner has an open door policy and sets a great example for the office. She is an excellent leader and has true care for her employees. I felt that my job made a difference helping students and this feeling was unanimously shared throughout the office. I will be hard pressed to find another job or office environment that will top this experience.
Anonymous Former Employee
Great Place to work and enjoy life
Pros
The working atmosphere is perfect and a great place to learn and get hands-on training. I definitely recommend this place.
Anonymous Current Employee
Hands down the best company I have worked for.
Pros
Supportive administrative team, multiple opportunities for growth, flexible schedule ,
excellent work-life balance.
Anonymous Current Employee
I’ve had an incredible experience with New York Therapy, both as an employee and a parent. My son has received outstanding therapies through NYT, and as an employee, I am honored to work for a company so dedicated and passionate about serving children and families with special needs.
Anonymous Employee
It’s a great place to work. We have an outstanding team of dedicated employees & clinic staff. We’re making a difference one child at a time. One Company One Mission!
Gina Torre
From Parents
The dedication and above and beyond service of the employees to help many children of many communities is to be commended. Always attentive to both parents’ and childrens’ needs.
Andrea
Had our Early Intervention with NY Therapy and they were the kindest people! They truly care and take the time to explain everything. I can not thank them enough
Katherine
My son receives speech therapy at this facility, and he thoroughly enjoys it. The staff there are exceptionally courteous and professional.
Soner
My son started with NYTKids almost 8 years ago for speech, PT, OT. The therapists and staff were incredible and my son is now thriving in 6th grade; blowing away all his IEP goals. I owe everything to these people. My son blossomed socially and academically.
Elizabeth
I had an amazing experience with New York Therapy when they evaluated my son through early intervention. The staff and therapists were attentive, caring, and provided great resources and recommendations to help my child thrive. I wouldn’t ever consider using another agency!
Ariana
From evaluations to services, the agency has been phenomenal with my daughter and we are very lucky to have such great providers.
Colleen
New York Therapy truly cares about their families and strives to provide the best to them. Above and beyond…
Sandy
Everyone is professional and kind and considerate we see a big difference in our child see aways looks forward to coming
Thomas
