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Other Special Education Service Providers

Download the early intervention factsheet

The following service providers offer a variety of therapeutic and support services to children with disabilities and their families, through different programs including Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education. These professionals ensure that services and community supports are brought together to meet each child’s and family’s unique needs through the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) or the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Some qualified providers include:

 

NOTE:

  • Other professionals that serve children with special needs such as audiologists, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses; nurses practitioners, orientation and mobility specialists, psychologists, registered dietitians and social workers are not included here but are crucial to the successful development and implementation of special education plans. For more information on the services they provide, please visit the National Clearing House for Professionals in Special Education.
  • All service providers working in Early Intervention must be approved by the NYS Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Get more information on the approval process.

Providers can offer their services to young children with disabilities and their families in many ways including:

  • Individual Visits to Homes and Community Based Settings: Visits to the child's home or other natural environments where infants and toddlers interact. (Including day care centers and family day care homes).
  • Individual Visits in the Provider’s Facility
  • Parent/Child Groups: where parents, family members, caregivers and children participate and share ideas. The group is led by a qualified professional at the provider’s location or in community based settings.
  • Group Developmental Intervention: by a service provider to a group of eligible children at their site or in a community based setting (e.g., day care center, family day care, community center). This group may also include children without disabilities.
  • Family/Caregiver Support Groups: where parents, caregivers (foster parents, day care staff, etc.) and/or siblings participate. The group is led by a service provider that:
    • Enhances their capacity to care for and/or the development of the child
    • Provides support, education and guidance in relation to the child's unique developmental needs.