New York Part C Early Intervention
How to get free early intervention in New York for your baby or toddler — Early Intervention Program. No referral or diagnosis needed, and the first step takes minutes.
How to start in New York
Early Intervention is free and you don't need a referral or a diagnosis. The process can take time, so it's best to reach out as soon as you have a concern — the earlier you start, the sooner your child gets help.
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Get my free plan & scripts →Contact details are sourced from the ECTA Center's national Part C directory and were last verified June 2026. Programs can change — please confirm via the official site before relying on these details.
Program Name
Early Intervention Program
Age Range
0-3 Years
Cost
Free or Sliding Scale
Lead Agency
Dept of Health
Parent Center
Starbridge & Advocates for Children of NY
On the 2024 federal child count, 31,425 New York infants and toddlers were receiving early intervention — 4.99% of the state's children under 3, ranking #18 of 51 nationally. See how every state compares →
New York Part C Early Intervention (Early Intervention Program)
If you're a parent in New York and you're worried your baby or toddler isn't meeting their developmental milestones, you're not alone — and help is closer (and cheaper) than most families expect. New York's Part C early intervention program is called Early Intervention Program, and it's free.
What is "Part C" and what is Early Intervention Program?
"Part C" refers to Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which funds early intervention for children from birth to age 3 in every state. In New York, those services are delivered through Early Intervention Program. It supports families of infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay — or a condition likely to lead to one — in areas like communication, movement, learning, social-emotional skills, and self-care.
What does Early Intervention Program cost?
The evaluation is free, and services are provided at little or no cost to families regardless of income or insurance. Many parents never start because they assume it will be expensive — it isn't. Cost should never stop you from asking for help.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis?
No. You do not need a doctor's referral or a diagnosis to request an evaluation. A parent, doctor, or caregiver can make a Part C referral — and you can refer your own child.
What services are included?
- Developmental evaluation to see where your child is and what would help.
- Therapies such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
- An IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) — a written plan built around your family if your child qualifies.
- Home-based support — services usually happen in your home or other everyday settings.
Who is eligible in New York?
Eligibility in New York is determined through Early Intervention Program (lead agency: Dept of Health). Generally, children birth to 3 with a significant delay in one or more areas — cognitive, physical, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive — qualify. The free evaluation determines eligibility, so you don't have to figure it out on your own.
How to start: making a Part C referral
The first step is to refer your child to Early Intervention Program. Once referred, the program generally has 45 days to complete the evaluation and hold your first meeting. The process can take time, so the sooner you reach out, the sooner your child gets support.
Don't wait and worry. Early intervention works best when it starts as early as possible.
New York Part C: frequently asked questions
What is New York's Part C early intervention program? +
Part C of the federal IDEA law funds early intervention for children from birth to age 3. In New York, it's delivered through Early Intervention Program — free services like developmental evaluations, speech, physical, and occupational therapy for babies and toddlers with delays or disabilities.
Is early intervention free in New York? +
Yes. Evaluations are free, and Early Intervention Program services are provided at little or no cost to families in New York, regardless of income or insurance.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis to get help in New York? +
No. You can request a free Part C evaluation yourself in New York — no doctor referral or diagnosis is required for a child under 3.
How do I make a Part C referral in New York? +
Contact Early Intervention Program at 800-522-5006, or ask your pediatrician to refer your child. You can also refer your child yourself. Once referred, the program generally has 45 days to complete the evaluation and hold your first meeting.
Who is eligible for early intervention in New York? +
Children from birth to age 3 with a measurable developmental delay — or a diagnosed condition likely to cause one — generally qualify. The free evaluation determines eligibility, so you don't have to figure it out yourself.
What is an IFSP? +
If your child qualifies, Early Intervention Program creates an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — a written plan, built around your family's routines and goals, that lists the services your child will receive and how often.
What is a New York Part C plan (IFSP)? +
In New York, the "Part C plan" people search for is the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — the written early intervention plan Early Intervention Program creates with you if your child qualifies. It lists your child's goals and the services they'll receive, and you review it together regularly.
How do I find early intervention in New York? +
Start with Early Intervention Program, New York's Part C program at 800-522-5006. You can contact them yourself — no referral needed — or check your child's milestones first and we'll walk you through exactly what to say.
What if I'm not sure my child needs help? +
Trust your instincts and ask anyway. The evaluation is free and carries no obligation — it either gives you peace of mind or unlocks support early, when it makes the biggest difference.
Wondering what the plan itself looks like? Read our plain-language guide: the IFSP (New York's Part C plan), explained — what's in it, the 45-day timeline, and your rights at the meeting.
Free parent support in New York
Beyond Early Intervention Program, every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center — free, parent-staffed help for families navigating early intervention and special education. In New York, that's Starbridge & Advocates for Children of NY.
Find your center's contact details in the official national directory.
Work at Starbridge & Advocates for Children of NY? Email [email protected] to confirm your details and we'll link to your site directly.
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