You picked up the phone, dialed 311, and asked about Early Intervention. Maybe someone told you to call, or maybe you just have a nagging worry about how your little one is talking, moving, or playing. So what happens now? Here is exactly what to expect after that call.
What to Say When You Call
You do not need special words or paperwork. When you reach 311, simply say:
- You are a parent, and you want to make an Early Intervention referral.
- Your child is under age 3.
- You have some concerns about your child’s development (you can be as general or specific as you like).
That is enough. You do not need a diagnosis, a doctor’s referral, or any medical records to start. Your concern as a parent is a valid reason on its own.
What the EI Program Does Next
Your 311 call becomes a referral to the NYC Early Intervention Program, the city office that handles Early Intervention across all five boroughs. Here is what happens behind the scenes:
- The EI Program reviews and accepts your referral.
- They assign your family to an approved agency, like Star EIP.
- The assigned agency reaches out to schedule a free developmental evaluation, usually in your home.
In other words, 311 is the front door, but the EI Program is what routes you to the right place. You are not just left on a list; the referral moves through a real process designed to connect your family with support.
A Word About Timing
It is natural to want a firm answer on when the phone will ring. The honest truth is that timing varies, because the EI Program is the one reviewing referrals and making assignments. We will not promise you “a call within 24 hours” or any exact window, because that is not ours to guarantee. What we can tell you is that the system is built to keep things moving toward your free evaluation.
If some time passes and you have not heard anything, it is completely okay to follow up with 311 or with the agency you were assigned.
You Can Also Refer Directly to Star EIP
Here is something many parents do not realize: you do not have to go through 311 at all. You can refer your child directly to Star EIP. From there, the referral still reaches the NYC Early Intervention Program for review and assignment, so the process is the same, but starting with us can make the first step feel more personal. And of course, if you have already called 311, that works perfectly too.
Remember, It’s Free
Whether you call 311 or come to us directly, Early Intervention is free to your family. The program may bill Medicaid or private insurance, but you never pay out of pocket. Medicaid is not required, and having private insurance does not make your child ineligible. The developmental evaluation is always free.
Taking this step does not commit you to anything. It simply opens the door to finding out whether your child could benefit from support, early, when it matters most.
Want to skip the phone tree and start directly? See if your child qualifies. The developmental evaluation is always free, and there is no obligation.
Star EIP is a New York State–approved Early Intervention agency serving children birth–age 3 across all five NYC boroughs.
Free · No cost to families
Worried about your child's development?
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