Why Early Intervention

Early intervention may be able to help a child that appears to be experiencing any form of developmental delay, such as:

• physical skills
• thinking and problem solving
• communicating
• social interaction
• self-care skills

Research shows that the first 3 years are the most important time in a child's life. Starting early intervention services early improves a child's ability to develop and learn.

The mission of the New York City Early Intervention Program is to 'identify and evaluate' as early as possible 'those infants and toddlers whose healthy development is compromised and provide appropriate intervention to improve child and family development.'

How Can We Help Your Child?

The Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service (BBCS) is a New York State-approved provider of Early Intervention services. Our program strives to improve child outcomes for Brooklyn's at-risk infants and toddlers by empowering parents and addressing the families' agenda within their natural environment.

The BBCS Early Intervention Program provide services to:

• support the bond between you, your child, and your support system
• promote optimal health, safety, and improve child and family development
• help your child build motor and language skills, and encourage intellectual, emotional, and social development
• Assist you in becoming an effective advocate for your child

What Will BBCS Provide?

BBCS Early Intervention Program will work with the NYC Department of Health to bring services to your home, a childcare setting, or the community. These services are flexible and accommodate family routines. Support services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, include:

• comprehensive evaluation
• family education, counseling, home
• visits and parent support groups
• special instruction
• speech pathology and audiology
• occupational therapy
• psychological services
• physical therapy
• service coordination
• nursing services
• nutritional services
• social work services
• vision services
• assistive technology devices and services

Can I Afford The Services?

Services are provided at no out-of-pocket costs to the parent or legal guardian. If the family has health insurance, it may be accessed for reimbursement. Should Early Intervention services be delivered at your child's day care or community center, the parent is still responsible for paying those related costs. Services are funded and regulated by the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Is My Child Eligible?

To be eligible, your child must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay in one or more of the following areas:

• Physical - including growth, gross, and fine motor skills
• Cognitive - learning and thinking
• Communicative - understanding and using words
• Social/Emotional - relating to others
• Adaptive - using self-help skills such as feeding

Only state-approved evaluators contracted with New York City Department of Health can determine eligibility. If your child is found eligible, services are identified in collaboration with the parent and must be authorized by New York City Department of Health. To refer a child for evaluation, call 311 and ask for Early Intervention.

How Can I Learn More?

Contact:
Jessica Harley,
Director of Early Intervention Services
718-310-5749 or jharley@bbcs.org