Children with Special Needs

Counties are responsible for administering the state’s early intervention program, serving newborns to three-year-olds, and assisting with the coordination of preschool special education services for 3–5-year-olds with special healthcare needs.  

New York State Early Intervention

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. First created by Congress in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the EIP is administered by the New York State Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention. In New York State, the Early Intervention Program is established in Article 25 of the Public Health Law and has been in effect since July 1, 1993. 

To be eligible for services, children must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive. 

Preschool Special Education

The New York State Education Department (SED), Office of Special Education oversees a statewide preschool special education program with school districts, counties, approved providers and parents. Evaluations and specially planned individual or group instructional services or programs are provided to eligible children who have a disability that affects their learning. Funding for these special education programs and services is provided by counties and the State.