Early Intervention Evaluation Process

You, as the parent, are the most important person in your child's life. You know your child best. There is a wide range of normal development. If for any reason you or your doctor feels your child is not progressing at a normal pace, an evaluation would be your best course of action.

In New York State, the Department of Health is the lead agency responsible for the Early Intervention Program. Kidz Therapy can refer your child to the Department of Health or you can contact your local municipality's Dept. of Health. Nassau: 516-227-8661 Suffolk: 631-853-2318. Your case is than assigned to a Service Coordinator who will make arrangements to meet with you and your child at your home. The Service Coordinator will explain the Early Intervention program and your rights. If your child will be receiving a core evaluation, the Service Coordinator will also set a date for an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) meeting to take place to discuss the results of the evaluation.

As a parent/caregiver, you will be given an opportunity to select a New York State approved Early Intervention Evaluator to conduct the evaluation of your child. Kidz Therapy is an approved Early Intervention Evaluator and Provider of Services. The evaluation process consists of two evaluations. One evaluation is the specific area of concern. The other evaluation is considered a developmental evaluation, which will examine the 5 main domains of development. Evaluation techniques are play based and may engage you and your child in various activities. The therapist will also inquire about your child's health, birth and milestones achieved. Evaluation reports will be sent to you at least 5 days prior to the scheduled IFSP meeting in your home. All reports will be reviewed with you and any questions answered by the evaluating therapist prior to the meeting. If your child meets the criteria for Early Intervention services, the IFSP meeting will take place in your home. Your service coordinator and a representative from the evaluation team will discuss with you, your goals and incorporate these goals and strategies into an Individualized. A child that does not qualify for services may not have an IFSP meeting. Parents are advised to seek a re-evaluation at a later date, if progress is not seen or if parents still have concerns.

Parents are often relieved to learn that their child is progressing normally and an evaluation puts their mind at ease. The evaluation also serves as a base line to see exactly how their child is developing compared to other children of the same age.