Getting Services in NYC: An Introduction

Depending on your child's age, your location, and your therapeutic needs--there are several different options to pursue in an effort to receive services for your child.

Early Intervention (EI): Is a state-funded program which provides therapeutic services (free of charge) to children aged birth to 3. There are several agencies which work under the Early Intervention agreement and provide both the initial evaluation and ongoing therapy. Typically, the agencies handle the paperwork and the therapists, who are usually independent of the agency, provide the treatment and write daily progress notes. An evaluation must be performed by a licensed professional who is pre-approved to perform EI evaluations. Services and mandate(s) will then be determined based on the results of the standardized assessment. A child must show a delay of at least 33% in one area or 25% in two or more areas in order to be eligible for services.

In EI, the therapists will typically provide services in the child's home, although, there are times when therapy should be provided in the clinician's office: The home is very busy and too distracting (a sibling is present, mom is in the next room.) Many times, OT/PT treatment(s) require an office setting for treatment as equipment may be needed for more challenging tasks. A sensory gym (with swings and sensory equipment) may be necessary as well.

EI Services are provided year round. Mandates can vary from 1-5 days a week for 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions. Please note, in an office setting, the state will only mandate service for 30-minute sessions. A family training session may also be mandated. This session is typically for parents to sit with the therapist and learn techniques to use with their child. There is an annual meeting that parents are required to attend and therapists are expected to write annual progress reports. If a parent/therapist believes a mandate should be changed, a meeting will also be held

Evaluations (must be performed at an authorized facility)
Visiting Nurse Services 212-609-6181 (Susan Ohashi)
Theracare 212-564-2350 (x2162)

Ongoing Services
Stepping Stones 212-973-0421
Cassidy's Place 212-831-1322
Lifestart 212-751-9147
Theracare 212-564-2350
Manhattan Center for Early Learning 212-752-7575
Early Childhood Associates 212-662-9200

Board of Education (BOE): State-funded services eligible to all children living within city borders (regardless if they attend public or private school.) An evaluation must be performed by a licensed professional who is pre-approved to perform BOE evaluations. Service(s) and mandate(s) will then be determined based on the results of standardized testing, (OT, PT, SLP.) There is an annual meeting that parents are required to attend and therapists are expected to write annual progress reports and goals. If a parent/therapist believes a mandate should be changed, a meeting will also be held. Session times and frequencies vary depending on each child's needs. Mandates may be 30, 45, or 60 minutes 1-5 times per week.

BOE services are provided on a 10 or 12 month basis.
CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education): Ages 3-5
CSE (Committee on Special Education): Ages 5-21

• 10 month:
  • September-June
    The child is required to have 3 weeks off within the time period (usually the therapist will choose school holidays and breaks)

• 12month:
  • September-June (same as 10 month including 3 weeks off)
  • July-August (6 weeks of services)

Evaluations
Lifestart 212-418-0328 (Michele Kohler)
Contact your district CPSE by writing a letter requesting an evaluation for your child. The letter should include: Name, birth date, address, parent name and which service you are requesting an evaluation for (OT, PT, Speech, Psych)

Names, phone numbers and addresses of the CPSE district administrators [ Resources NYC ]

Private Pay: Private pay facilities and therapists do not typically accept any form of insurance. Bills are usually written with the CPT codes needed for reimbursement from your insurance carrier. Sessions are typically 45 minutes and cost between $125-$160.

Sensory Gyms: ( New York)

Special Education Programs:
Map of Approved Preschool Special Education Programs in NY State

Socialization Groups:
Rising Stars @ Theraplay 212-288-1450 E77th Street
Snack 212-439-9994 E86th Street
Little Circles 917-399-4471 E 86th Street
PALS Palsocialskills.com
Happy Hour 212-679-4319 E 29th Street

Pediatricians:
Dr. Marily Agin 212-274-9180
Dr. Jennifer Cross 212-746-3392
Dr. Mark Freilich 212-787-2148
Dr. Loysell 212-794-2136
Dr. Packard 212-746-3392
Dr. Tracy Gallagher 212-737-1800