How the NYC Early Intervention Program Works, Step by Step (2026)

If you have found yourself wondering whether your baby or toddler is a little behind, you are not alone, and you are already doing the right thing by looking into it. The NYC Early Intervention Program can feel like a maze at first, so here is the whole thing laid out plainly, one step at a time.

What Early Intervention Is

Early Intervention (EI) is a New York State program for children from birth up to age 3 who may have a developmental delay or disability. It supports areas like talking, moving, playing, learning, and connecting with others. Best of all, it is completely free to families. The program may bill Medicaid or private insurance, but you will never pay out of pocket, and you do not need Medicaid to take part.

The Steps, Start to Finish

1. Someone makes a referral. This can be you, a family member, or your pediatrician. You can refer directly to Star EIP or call 311 and ask for Early Intervention. No diagnosis or doctor’s note is needed.
2. The NYC Early Intervention Program reviews it. Your referral goes to the city’s EI Program, which handles all referrals across the five boroughs.
3. You are assigned to an approved agency. The EI Program accepts the referral and assigns your family to an agency like Star EIP.
4. You get a free developmental evaluation. The assigned agency schedules an evaluation, usually right in your home. It is play-based and relaxed, and it looks at how your child is developing.
5. Eligibility is decided. If the evaluation shows your child qualifies, you move to the next step. There is nothing to “pass” or “fail” here.
6. You build an IFSP. You and the team create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), built around your family’s goals and your child’s needs. It lists the services, how often they happen, and what you are working toward.
7. Services begin. Therapists and specialists work with your child and coach you, often at home, so support fits into everyday routines.
8. Transition around age 3. As your child nears their third birthday, the team helps plan what comes next. If your child still needs support, that usually means preschool special education through the CPSE.

Common Worries, Answered

• “Do I qualify?” You will not know for sure until the free evaluation, but referring costs nothing and closes the door on nothing.
• “Is it free?” Yes, fully free to your family.
• “Who pays?” New York State funds the program; insurance or Medicaid may be billed, but never you.
• “How long?” Timing varies because the EI Program handles assignment, so we avoid promising an exact window.
• “What’s next?” Once assigned, your agency guides every step from evaluation to services.

You Are Not Behind

Reaching out early is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child. The younger a child is, the more their growing brain responds to support. If any part of this feels overwhelming, that is normal, and the whole process is designed to walk beside you, not test you.

Ready to take the first step? See if your child qualifies. The developmental evaluation is always free, and there is no cost or obligation to find out.