Parent Resource Center
Answers for worried NYC parents
Real questions, answered in plain language — milestones, speech, behavior, and exactly how Early Intervention works in New York City.
Start here · The cornerstone guide
The Complete Guide to Early Intervention in NYC (2026)
Who qualifies, what it costs (nothing), how to refer via 311 or an agency, the evaluation, the IFSP, and timelines — everything in one plain-English place.
Read the full guide →Browse by topic
Developmental Milestones
What to expect month by month — and the gentle red flags worth checking, from birth to age 3.
July 14, 2026
Your Child at 24 Months: Milestones, Red Flags, and What to Do
A warm guide to 2-year-old milestones for NYC parents — talking, play, and behavior, gentle red flags, and how to request a free EI evaluation.
Read →July 7, 2026
Your Child at 12 Months: Milestones, Red Flags, and What to Do
A warm guide to 12-month milestones for NYC parents — babbling, crawling, gestures, and eye contact, plus how to request a free EI evaluation.
Read →May 12, 2026
Your Child at 18 Months: Milestones, Red Flags, and What to Do
A warm guide to 18-month milestones for NYC parents — communication, motor, and play skills, gentle red flags, and how to request a free EI evaluation.
Read →Speech & Language
Late talking, first words, gestures, and bilingual development — when it's typical and when to get support.
August 16, 2026
Should We Stop Speaking Our Home Language to Help My Child's Speech?
Wondering if dropping your home language will help your child's speech? The clear answer is no. Here's why keeping it matters and what to do if you're worried.
Read →July 21, 2026
My 2-Year-Old's Speech Is Hard to Understand. Is That Normal?
Only you can understand your 2-year-old? A calm guide for NYC parents on speech clarity at 24 months, gentle flags, and how to get a free EI evaluation.
Read →July 16, 2026
My 2-Year-Old Says Words but Isn't Combining Them. Should I Worry?
Your 2-year-old has single words but no two-word phrases? A calm guide for NYC parents on what's typical at 24 months and how to get a free EI evaluation.
Read →Autism & Behavior
Early signs, social communication, and everyday behavior questions — reassuring, never alarmist.
July 28, 2026
My 2-Year-Old Has Constant Tantrums. Is This Still Normal?
Nonstop tantrums at age 2? A calm guide for NYC parents on what's typical, when frequency and language delays matter, and free EI evaluations at home.
Read →July 23, 2026
My 2-Year-Old Doesn't Play With Other Kids. Should I Be Concerned?
Your 2-year-old ignores other children at the playground? A calm guide for NYC parents on parallel play, gentle flags, and free EI evaluations at home.
Read →July 10, 2026
My 1-Year-Old Doesn't Make Eye Contact. Should I Worry?
Little eye contact at 1 year? A calm guide for NYC parents on what eye contact means, what's typical, and how to get a free EI evaluation at home.
Read →Physical Therapy
Crawling, walking, balance, and gross-motor milestones — and when a delay is worth an evaluation.
July 8, 2026
My 12-Month-Old Isn't Crawling. Should I Worry?
Not crawling at 12 months? A calm guide for NYC parents on scooters and bottom-shufflers, gentle flags, and how to get a free EI evaluation at home.
Read →July 1, 2026
When to Worry If Your Toddler Isn't Walking Yet
Is your toddler not walking yet? Learn the typical walking range, motor signs to watch, and when a free evaluation and PT through Early Intervention can help.
Read →June 12, 2026
My 18-Month-Old Isn't Walking Yet
Not walking at 18 months? A reassuring NYC parent's guide to the typical range, motor signs worth checking, and how PT within free EI can help.
Read →Feeding & Nutrition
Picky eating, textures, chewing, and self-feeding — practical help for mealtime worries.
August 25, 2026
My Toddler Won't Self-Feed or Use a Spoon. Should I Be Concerned?
Toddler not self-feeding or using a spoon? What's typical, gentle signs to watch, and how NYC parents can get a free Early Intervention evaluation at home.
Read →August 18, 2026
My Toddler Won't Chew Food — Is That a Problem?
Toddler swallowing food whole, pocketing bites, or stuck on purees? What chewing should look like and how NYC's free Early Intervention can help at home.
Read →August 11, 2026
Why Does My Toddler Gag on Textured Food?
Toddler gagging on lumpy or textured food? Learn what's typical, when it signals a feeding concern, and how NYC's free Early Intervention can help at home.
Read →NYC Early Intervention Guide
Exactly how Early Intervention works in New York City — referrals, evaluations, IFSPs, cost, and waits.
August 9, 2026
Can Early Intervention Therapy Happen at Daycare?
Wondering if Early Intervention can happen at your child's daycare instead of home? Yes, it can — here's how it works for busy NYC families, plus pros and cons.
Read →August 2, 2026
What If My Child Cries During Therapy? Home-Visit Worries, Answered
Worried your child will cry, hide, or won't sit still during Early Intervention? Here's why that's normal, and how home visits gently adapt to your NYC family.
Read →July 19, 2026
Can't Find an Early Intervention Therapist in NYC? Here's What You Can Do
A service is approved but no Early Intervention therapist is assigned yet? A practical NYC playbook to keep things moving and support your child now.
Read →Transition to CPSE
What happens when Early Intervention ends at age 3, and how to move smoothly into preschool special education.
Parent Activities
Simple, play-based things you can do at home today to support your child's development.
Ready to take the first step?
Reach out today for a no-cost developmental evaluation. Our team will guide you through every step.