Early
Intervention and Preschool Services
The
Early Intervention and Preschool Services Program provides
services to eligible infants, toddlers and preschool children
up to the age of 5 years. We currently have 240 active children.
We provide services from 300 to 400 children across the year.
The Early Intervention and Preschool Services Program is
actually two separate programs, regulated by two separate
state agencies.
The
Early Intervention Program
The
New York State Department of Health is the lead agency for
the Early Intervention Program. Eligibility for this program
is determined by a Core evaluation, which assesses the five
developmental domains (cognitive, social-emotional, physical,
communication and adaptive). A child must have a 33% delay
in one domain or a 25% delay in two or more domains. Some
children are automatically deemed eligible for the program
due to a diagnosed condition such as Down's Syndrome, cerebral
palsy, etc. If your child does not have a diagnosed condition
and you suspect that he/she may have a delay, you may request
to have an evaluation done.
Once
a child is deemed eligible, the program offers a host of
services. Some of these services include, but are not limited
to: Audiology, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational
Therapy, Social Work, Special Instruction, and Service Coordination
Services. All providers are qualified personnel, approved
by the NYS Health Department.
The
services are provided in the child's natural environment,
where the child is typically during the day. This could be
the child's home or day care. Parental involvement is very
important and we request that all parents participate to
the fullest extent possible.
Early
Intervention services are at no expense to the families.
Columbia County is responsible for the expense of the program.
Reimbursement is sought from the State Health Department,
after accessing other funding sources such as third party
insurance and Medicaid.
The Early Intervention Program is a voluntary program. Parents can choose to
opt out of the program at any time, without the worry of repercussions, if
they wish to resume the program at any time in the future.
The
Preschool Program
The
lead agency for the Preschool Program is the New York State
Education Department. Each school district in the State has
a Committee on Preschool Special Education, referred to as
the CPSE. The CPSE chair will make sure that your child's
rights have been protected and that you have given your consent
for any evaluations that may be recommended. Eligibility
is based off a multidisciplinary evaluation including any
tests or assessments and an observation to find out whether
or not the child has a disability. A psychological and a
social history are also mandated as part of the evaluation
process.
Upon
completion of the evaluation, the CPSE Chairperson will set
up a meeting with the parent(s), the County Representative,
the Chairperson and other members of the Committee to review
the information, determine eligibility, and if eligible,
create an Individualized Education Plan, or an "IEP". Services
will be provided in the least restrictive environment and
will be provided by all licensed professionals. Once a child
has an IEP, then any changes must be done through the Committee,
with parental consent.
The
Preschool Program is also a voluntary program. Parents can
choose to opt out of this program at any time as well. There
is no out of pocket expense to the parents. Payment is sought
through reimbursement from the State Education Department.
For more information, please call your home school district
and ask for the Chairperson of the Committee on Preschool
Special Education.
If
you would like more information on either of these programs,
please call 518-828-4278. Thank you.
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