NY STATE PROGRAMS
Early Intervention Program (Birth–3 Years) Suffolk
Support When It Matters Most
If you are concerned your child may not be meeting developmental milestones, early support can make a meaningful difference. Early Intervention services are designed to help infants and toddlers build important skills during the earliest stages of development.
Some children may have difficulty with:
Speaking or understanding language
Following directions
Feeding or swallowing
Movement such as sitting, crawling or walking
Social interaction and play
Everyday tasks like eating or dressing
South Shore Center for Speech, Language & Swallowing Disorders is a New York State-approved evaluator and provider for the Early Intervention Program, administered locally through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services – Children With Special Needs.
For children who qualify, evaluations and services are provided at no cost to families through the New York State Early Intervention Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health.
Early identification is important. The sooner concerns are addressed, the greater the opportunity for progress and long-term success. Our team helps guide families through the Early Intervention process so you understand what to expect every step of the way.
South Shore provides comprehensive speech-language, occupational therapy and physical therapy evaluations through the Suffolk County Early Intervention Program to better understand your child’s development and identify areas where support may be beneficial.
We support families throughout the evaluation process and explain results in a clear, simple and supportive way so you feel informed, comfortable and confident moving forward.
How It Works
1. Start with a Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Once you contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services – Children With Special Needs and refer your child to the Early Intervention Program, the evaluation process begins. A multidisciplinary evaluation is completed to better understand your child’s development and determine whether support may be beneficial.
2. Review Results & Next Steps
If your child qualifies for services, a personalized plan is developed and services are coordinated at no cost to your family through the Early Intervention Program.
3. Begin Services
If appropriate, therapy services may be provided at South Shore Center for Speech, Language & Swallowing Disorders in a structured, supportive and family-centered environment.
Family-Guided Support
We work closely with families to help build skills during everyday routines by offering hands-on guidance, education and practical strategies to support your child’s development from the very beginning.
If you have concerns about your child’s development and would like to discuss them before contacting the county, our office is always available to help answer questions and connect you with a licensed professional.
To begin the Early Intervention process directly, please contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services – Division of Services for Children With Special Needs at 631-853-3100.
Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Suffolk County
(Ages 3–5)
Support for Preschool-Age Children
As children grow, their communication, learning and social skills become even more important for success in school.
If your child is between the ages of 2.5 and 5 and experiencing delays, they may be eligible for services through the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
CPSE is a New York State program offered through Suffolk County, overseen by your local school district. South Shore Center for Speech, Language and Swallowing Disorders is a NYS approved evaluator and providers for the CPSE program.
Some children may have difficulty with:
· Pronunciation or being understood
· Understanding or using language to communicate wants and needs
· Following directions
· Participating appropriately in school and group settings
· Social interaction and play skills
· Early learning and school readiness skills
· Coloring, cutting or using utensils
· Walking, climbing and/jumping or may be clumsy
· Poor attention for play and learning
· Success at day care or preschool
At South Shore Center for Speech…, we provide comprehensive evaluations to assess your child’s development and determine if support may be needed.
We help guide families through the CPSE process, working closely with school districts in Suffolk County to ensure your child receives and appropriate and thorough evaluation and subsequent services if eligible.
For children who qualify, services are provided at no cost to families.
How It Works
1. Referral
You refer your child to CPSE within your school district. Once registered, a parent/guardian has the right to choose an approved evaluator. South Shore Center for Speech is an approved evaluator for the NYS program within Suffolk County.
2. Evaluation
The team at South Shore Center for Speech… completes a comprehensive evaluation to assess your child’s needs.
3. CPSE Meeting
When all evaluations are completed, South Shore Center for Speech…will represent your child’s evaluation results to the CPSE within your district. At this meeting, the committee will discuss results, recommendations and determine eligibility for therapeutic and educational support services.
4. Services Begin
If your child is deemed eligible, specific therapeutic services are recommended in order to support the needs of your child. Speech and language services can be provided at our center in a structured, supportive setting.
Family-Centered Care
The staff at South Shore Center for Speech… works closely with you every step of the way, providing guidance, support and practical strategies to help your child succeed in a structured learning environment. We understand that the evaluation process can be overwhelming.
If you have concerns regarding your child’s development, and would like to discuss your concerns before contacting your school district, or questions about the CPSE process, please contact our office at any time to speak with a licensed professional who can help to guide you in the best direction!
Get in Touch
400 W. Main Street (Montauk Hwy.), Suite 152 Babylon, New York 11702
Business Hours:
Mon - Thu
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed