Early Intervention

Nassau County & Suffolk County - Long Island

Early Intervention Program

The first three years of life are the most crucial period of growth and development. It is during this time that young children explore and grow, learn to move, communicate, and develop a sense of independence. All children grow and learn at different rates, however, some children may appear to achieve developmental milestones later than anticipated.

What is the Early Intervention Program?

Early Intervention Programs and services have been established across New York State to address the needs of infants and toddlers, ages birth to three years who are suspected of having developmental delays. With over 23 years experience as an Early Intervention provider, Alternatives For Children has provided services to over 10,000 children and families. Our Early Intervention evaluators and Early Intervention professionals help your child grow, explore, learn to move, communicate, and develop a sense of independence, while sharing with you the tools you need to support and promote your child’s development.

Alternatives For Children is approved by the New York State Department of Health as an Early Intervention Program Provider under contract with Nassau & Suffolk Counties.

Early Intervention Programs are regulated and funded by the New York State Department of Health, along with Suffolk and Nassau Counties’ Division of Services for Children with Special Needs.

What Children Need Early Help?

If you feel your child is delayed in achieving developmental milestones, you should speak with your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.

Who Do I Call if My Child is Suspected of Having a Developmental Delay?

Alternatives For Children
Phone: 631-331-6400

Suffolk County Health Department
Division of Services for Children with Special Needs
Phone: 631-853-3100

Nassau County Health Department
Division of Services for Children with Special Needs
Phone: 516-227-8661

Growing Up Healthy Hotline
Phone: 1-800-522-5006

The Referral Process

Trained professionals, in collaboration with parents, assess a child’s current development. If the evaluation determines that the child is eligible for Early Intervention services, a multidisciplinary team of professionals will work together with the child’s family to tailor an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that best serves the needs of the child. Service providers, are then contacted, as authorized, to implement the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to stimulate the child’s growth and development.

What services are provided through the Early Intervention Program?

Alternatives for Children provides a broad spectrum of educational, therapeutic, and support services through its Early Intervention Program. These programs and services are provided at no out of pocket cost to families. Your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), their specially planned program, may call for some of the following services:

Assistive Technology Devices/Services
Audiological Services
Family Training and Counseling
Home Visits and Parent Support Groups
Health Services
Medical Services for Diagnosis
Nursing Services
Nutrition Services
Occupational Therapy
Parent/Child Developmental Groups
Physical Therapy
Psychological Counseling and Services
Service Coordination
Social Work Services
Speech/Language Therapy
Vision Services
Transportation for IFSP eligible children

A child’s eligibility for Early Intervention Services is determined only by NYS approved Early Intervention Evaluators under contract with the County.

Who are the Alternatives For Children Early Intervention Program Professionals?

For over twenty three years families have come to Alternatives For Children to receive the most appropriate care and services for their children. Alternatives For Children has developed a full complement of in home, community-based and center-based services for children, assuring that they have the tools and experiences necessary to build the foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives.

Special Instruction is provided by New York State dually certified special education early childhood teachers. Therapeutic services are provided by specially trained, licensed/certified therapists. In addition, counseling and social work services are provided by licensed/certified psychologists and social workers.

Where are Early Intervention Services Provided?

Alternatives for Children provides Early Intervention services throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties, in your home, child care setting, community setting (library), or in one of our four centers. Our professionals provide services at times and locations that are convenient for families.

Services for eligible children are provided at no out of pocket cost to families. Family Health Insurance may be accessed for reimbursement of services. If Early Intervention services are delivered in a childcare setting or community location that requires a fee, the family is responsible for paying any associated costs providing access to the child care or community location.

My Grown Up & Me Parent/Child Groups provide quality early childhood programming run by qualified professionals who serve both typical and children with special needs of the community. The groups are facilitated by Music Therapists working in collaboration with a Social Worker, Special Education partner or Speech Pathologist. This teamwork allows for a broad range of knowledge and experience in meeting the needs of children. Solid research and documented positive outcomes support the success of My Grown Up & Me programs for children receiving Early Intervention services.

My Grown Up & Me Parent - Child Group
Phone: 631-331-6400 for info

East Setauket Center
Tuesday 9:30 -10:30 am
14 Research Way

Port Jefferson Public Library
Friday 9:30 -10:30 am
100 Thompson Street

Riverhead Public Library
Thursday 12:30 - 1:30 pm
330 Court Street

South Huntington Public Library
Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30 am
145 Pidgeon Hill Road

Alternatives For Children is approved by the New York State Department of Health as an Early Intervention Evaluation Site and Provider of Early Intervention Services under contract with Suffolk & Nassau Counties.

Services for eligible children are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families.
Family Health Insurance may be accessed for reimbursement of services.

If Early Intervention services are delivered in a childcare setting or community location that requires a fee, the family is responsible for paying any associated costs providing access to the child care or community location.

Early Intervention programs are regulated and funded by the New York State Department of Health and Suffolk and Nassau Counties’ Division of Services for Children with Special Needs.