Child Find

Child Find is part of the Early Intervention Program (EI). It is a voluntary program designed to identify and monitor those children at risk for developmental delay but who do not qualify for Early Intervention services at this time. An at-risk child is considered to be any child who 

• was born prematurely 
• 10 or more days hospitalization in NICU
• exposure to environmental lead
• has a growth or metabolic disorder
• maternal PKU
• history of maternal alcohol or substance abuse
• prenatal exposure to therapeutic drugs with known potential for developmental implications
• suspected hearing or vision impairment
• illness or traumatic injury
• congenital infections
• chronic serous otitis media
• central nervous system insult or abnormality
• congenital malformations
• asphyxia
• abnormalities of muscle tone
• hyperbilirubinemia
• hypoglycemia
• lack of prenatal or well-baby care
• diagnosis of genetic syndrome that may confer increased risk for developmental delays
• parental developmental disabilities or mental illness
• parenting concerns
• family history of child abuse or neglect
• homelessness 
• any concerns about the child’s developmental skills

Our staff will work with your family and your health care provider to monitor your child’s skills by using developmental screenings as part of their regular health care follow up from birth through 2 years of age. We will give you information and suggestions on ways to improve your child’s developmental skills and assist you in locating appropriate community resources. The family always has the right to request that a multidisciplinary evaluation be completed via the EI Program at no cost to them. If there are concerns about developmental delays we will assist you in making the appropriate referral to our Early Intervention Program. If you have questions about our Child Find Program or if you would like to make a referral to Child Find you may contact our Office of Intervention Services (EI) at 845-360-6630.

Early Intervention

Young children learn and develop differently. One child may walk earlier than another, while other children may talk first. Often these differences will even out over time; but, some children need extra help. If you have concerns about your child’s development, call us. Early Intervention can make a difference. The Early Intervention Program assists families by identifying and evaluating as early as possible those infants and toddlers whose development may be delayed, and by providing appropriate intervention to improve child and family development. These services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to you. For those children who meet eligibility criteria for participation in the Early Intervention Program, we assist the family in developing an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to identify the family’s desired outcomes and arrange for the services needed to address those outcomes (such as Speech, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Social Work, Special Instruction, etc.).

Most Early Intervention services are provided in the child’s natural environment. Early Intervention is a voluntary program. Referrals can be made directly to Early Intervention by parents/family, physicians or other professionals. Any child from birth through the age of 2 years with a developmental delay, disability or specific condition may be eligible for Early Intervention services. For more information or to make a referral, you may contact us at 845-360-6630.

Call the New York State Early Intervention Information Hotline at 1-800-522-5006.