Question 1

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for EIP your child must: Live in New York City. Be three years old or younger. Be evaluated. 
Learned Kids' staff will help you to get through evaluating process smoothly.

Question 2

Why should I share my health insurance information?

Accepted Answer

If you have health insurance, it may be used to help pay for early intervention services. The EIP can bill your insurance only if it is licensed or regulated by NYS. You will not have to make out-of-pocket payments or co-payments. The county and state will pay these expenses for you. NYS law prohibits payments made for early intervention services from counting against annual and lifetime caps that your insurance policy calls for.

Question 3

How to apply or refer a child?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the form by the link below and you will receive step by step instructions and referral form immediately.

Question 4

What is an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)?

Accepted Answer

The IFSP is a written plan for services that is developed for your child and family. It includes all the details about the services that your child and family will receive. It will therefore be specifically written for your family. The IFSP centers on the outcomes you hope your child will reach.

Question 5

What are my rights as the parent of a child in the EIP?

Accepted Answer

You have many rights. These include the right to say Yes or No to having your child participate in the EIP. You have the right to take part in all decisions. Meetings are held at times and in places convenient for you. All information about your child and family is confidential. You have the right to have your opinions heard and considered if you disagree with others. See The Early Intervention Program: A Parent’s Guide for more information.

Question 6

What can a Child Services Specialist do for you?

Accepted Answer

A Child Services Specialist can assist families with providing support and resources to access services to improve the quality of life for their children with special health care needs and their families.

Question 7

How long does it take for the evaluation process?

Accepted Answer

Most evaluations can be completed within a few weeks, and then a meeting is scheduled to review the results and determine if your child is eligible to receive services under early intervention.

Question 8

What are Home/Community Based Intervention Services?

Accepted Answer

These are services such as speech therapy and special instruction which can be conducted in the child’s home.

Question 9

I was told to have my baby evaluated, but I think my baby is OK. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

The decision to have an evaluation is up to you, the parent. The process is completely voluntary. Further, when the evaluations are completed, the decision to have your child receive services is also completely voluntary. If you suspect that your child may need extra stimulation or services that will increase their development in one or more areas, then it is advisable to have an evaluation. Then, you decide if you wish to accept the recommendations of the evaluation team.

Question 10

People say my child will grow out of it, and not to bother doing anything now. Shouldn’t I just wait and see if my child improves?

Accepted Answer

You can wait and see if your child improves or catches up, even if they are somewhat behind in a developmental area. However, our approach is to be proactive. Our philosophy is when in doubt, check it out. An evaluation can tell you if an early childhood professional believes your child needs any extra help in an area of development, or not. Having a professional opinion can ease your mind and answer your questions.

Question 11

Does intervention really help?

Accepted Answer

Most children improve with the help of intervention. Some children improve very quickly, and some more slowly. If you feel your child is improving quickly, share your observations with your therapist. Also, if you have concerns that your child is not learning quickly enough then share that as well to determine if other therapies may also be needed.

Question 12

What type of reimbursement do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept EI, CPSE for services and private pay for both evaluation and services. We do not currently accept new CSE children.  
CPSE children must go through the DOE’s tiered system. Please contact us for more information and to schedule an intake meeting.         
Private Pay: We do not work directly with insurance companies and considered an Out-of-Network program. Private pay families pay SMILE directly and seek reimbursement from their insurance company. Occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy are often eligible for reimbursement from insurance companies.  We provide the necessary documentation and treatment codes for reimbursement. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company and determine what, if anything, will be reimbursed to you after the session. This is based on your individual insurance plan and associated benefits, and not influenced or changed by SMILE.

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?

We’re Here to Help.

Schedule an Evaluation

WHY EARLY INTERVENTION

THE SOONER WE START, THE STRONGER THEY GROW

Speech & Language

Build early communication skills: babbling, first words, following simple directions, and social interaction.

Motor & Movement

Support rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, balance, and coordination through play‑based therapy.

Motor & Movement

Address picky eating, oral‑motor challenges, and sensory regulation for calmer mealtimes and routines.

Family Coaching

Caregiver‑centered strategies that fit your daily life so progress continues between visits.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES BY AGE

Age 0-12 months

Age 12-22 months

Age 24-36 months

OUR SERVICES

MULTIDISCIPLINARY, PLAY-BASED SUPPORT

Speech‑Language Pathology (SLP)

Expressive & receptive language, articulation, augmentative & alternative communication (AAC).

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Fine‑motor skills, sensory processing, daily living routines, self‑regulation.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Gross‑motor milestones, strength, balance, and mobility to support safe exploration.

Service Settings:

Home‑based, community settings, daycare — with teletherapy options when appropriate.

HOW'S IT WORKS

SIMPLE, FAMILY-FIRST PROCESS

1) Reach Out

Send an inquiry and we’ll help you connect with New York State’s Early Intervention Program for next steps.

2) Evaluation

A licensed team conducts a developmental evaluation. You’ll receive results and recommendations.

3) Individualized Plan

If eligible, services are tailored to your child’s goals (IFSP) with your family at the center.

4) Ongoing Support

Therapists coach you through play‑based activities and track progress with clear communication.

ELIGIBILITY

WHO QUALIFIES?

Ages 0–3

Infants and toddlers residing in New York may be eligible for evaluation through the state’s Early Intervention Program.

Developmental Concerns

Suspected delays in speech/language, motor, social‑emotional, cognitive, feeding/sensory, or diagnosed conditions.

Family‑Centered

Services emphasize coaching caregivers in natural routines for the best carryover and outcomes.

Note: We can help you initiate contact with your Local Early Intervention Program office. Eligibility is determined by New York State guidelines.

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