Special Needs & Early Intervention Support in NYC
Birth - 5 Development Support & Community Collaboration
At First Bloom Group Family Daycare, we provide inclusive childcare for infants and toddlers while collaborating with licensed Early Intervention and Special Education providers across New York City.
We are a childcare program — not a therapy agency. However, we work closely with Early Intervention providers to support children receiving therapeutic services in a nurturing, structured learning environment.
Our mission is to ensure children receive consistent support between therapy sessions and daily classroom routines.
Early Intervention Program (EIP) – Birth to 3 Years Old
The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program funded and administered by the New York State Department of Health for infants and toddlers with special needs.
It serves children from birth until their third birthday who:
Have diagnosed conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, or other developmental disorders
Show measurable developmental delays
Are eligible after a formal multidisciplinary evaluation
Early Intervention focuses on helping children improve:
- Communication skills
- Social interaction
- Motor development
- Feeding skills
- Self-help skills
- Overall functional development
As stated by the New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention is:
Confidential
Individualized
Provided in natural environments
Focused on maximizing each child’s potential
Early Intervention Services May Include
According to the New York State Department of Health program overview, services may include:
- Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Special Instruction
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Counseling Services
- Feeding Therapy
- Nutrition Services
- Psychological Evaluations
- Service Coordination
Services are provided in places such as:
- The child’s home
- Childcare settings (like First Bloom)
- Community environments
The program is provided at no direct cost to families, though insurance may be accessed where applicable.
How First Bloom Collaborates with Early Intervention Providers
We support children receiving Early Intervention by:
Allowing therapy sessions onsite when appropriate
Coordinating with service coordinators
Supporting IFSP goals during daily routines
- Maintaining structured schedules to reinforce therapy objectives
- Providing consistent communication with families
We ensure that children receiving therapy are fully included in age-appropriate classroom activities.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Early Intervention
According to the New York State Early Intervention Program, early identification and evaluation are important if developmental concerns arise.
Parents may consider requesting an evaluation if their child:
- Is not meeting developmental milestones
- Has difficulty with speech or communication
- Shows delays in motor skills
- Has feeding difficulties
- Has limited social interaction
- Has a diagnosed developmental condition
If you have concerns, you can call 311 in NYC and ask for the Early Intervention Program.
Transition at Age 3 – CPSE (Preschool Special Education)
As children approach their third birthday, services transition from Early Intervention (Part C) to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) under the New York City Department of Education.
CPSE serves children ages 3–5 who qualify for preschool special education services.
We support families during this transition process to ensure continuity of services.
Community & Agency Partnerships
To provide comprehensive support, we collaborate with community agencies such as:
- Metro Children Early Intervention
- Other NYS DOH-approved Early Intervention providers
- CPSE providers
- Licensed speech, OT, PT, and ABA professionals
- Service coordinators
We work as part of a team to ensure children receive coordinated care.
Why Families Choose First Bloom for Inclusive Childcare
- Small group, home-based setting
- Structured and predictable routines
- Supportive collaboration with therapists
- Experience supporting children with developmental differences
- Strong communication with families
- Commitment to inclusion
Early support can reverse developmental delays and maximize potential, and we are honored to support that journey.
Need Help Getting Started?
Early support can make a lasting difference. If you have concerns about your child’s development, take the first step today.
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FAQ
Our daily schedule for toddlers includes a mix of structured and free-play activities, art and sensory exploration, outdoor play, and age-appropriate learning experiences.
Our approach is play-based, emphasizing hands-on experiences and exploration. We integrate age-appropriate learning activities to promote cognitive, social, and emotional development.
We maintain open communication with parents through daily logs, providing details on feeding times, diaper changes, and any developmental milestones or activities.