Early Intervention
The goal of the Early Intervention Program is to help you to help your child reach his/her developmental potential.
Early Intervention services are provided to help children grow and develop. Services are also provided to help caregivers care for these children. Any child from birth to age three with a developmental delay, disability, or condition that affects development may need help.
A checklist of children’s developments from birth to age three is available in the Early Help Makes a Difference! guide.
Review the Parent’s Guide to Early Intervention.
Early intervention services include:
- Developmental evaluations
- Developmental screenings
- Counseling/Social work
- Family training
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Special instruction
- Service coordination
All service providers are contracted with and have been approved by the New York State Department of Health to provide services.
There is no direct cost to you or your family for services authorized by the Early Intervention Program, even if your insurance company does not pay us. You do not pay a co-pay and your insurance company cannot change payments against an annual cap or lifetime reserve.
To make a referral to Early Intervention, please contact Greene County Public Health at (518) 719-3600.
Eligibility information
- Your child must be a Greene County resident under the age of three.
- Your child may automatically qualify for this program based on certain diagnoses.
- Every child must have a developmental evaluation which can also qualify him/her for this program.
- You will choose who does your child’s evaluation and where it takes place.
- An Initial Service Coordinator will be assigned to assist you, answer your questions, and help you find services for your child.
Are you the parent of a child with disabilities from birth to 12 years of age?
Please consider becoming a Parent Member of the LEICC! This Council meets twice a year, on the third Thursdays of March and September.
Here are some of the topics that are covered by the council:
(1) the planning for, delivery and evaluation of the early intervention services for eligible children and their families, including methods to identify and address gaps in services;
(2) the identification of service delivery reforms necessary to promote the availability of early intervention services within natural environments;
(3) the coordination of public and private agencies;
(4) such other matters relating to early intervention policies and procedures within the municipality as are brought to its attention by parents, providers, public agencies, or others.
If interested, please contact Greene County Public Health at (518) 719-3600
Community Resources
Childcare Coordinating Council: Assistance with finding quality daycare, paying for daycare, workshops, information, and resolution of problems and concerns
Parent to Parent: advocacy for families, parent support groups, insurance coverage assistance, locating physicians, health care advocacy
The Autism Society: Provides a variety of programs and services to support children and adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and the professionals who serve them.
NYS Office of Special Education Partnership: Provides direct training and support to families, preschool and school-age programs, public schools and districts, and community partners.
Community Action: Connects individuals and families in need to programs and resources such as emergency assistance, housing solutions, legal advocacy, tax preparation, and domestic violence resources.
Emotional Support for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties: Provides individualized services for people with developmental disabilities, pregnancy and early childhood support, and education groups as well as nutrition and emergency support.
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities: Coordinates services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities both directly and through a network of approximately 450 nonprofit service providing agencies.