Children with Special Needs Bureau (CSN) is comprised of these programs:
- NY State Early Intervention Program (EIP)
- Preschool Special Education Program (PSEP)
- Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN)
NY State Early Intervention Program
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a comprehensive program for eligible children from birth to three years of age who have a disability or a developmental delay. Early intervention services help children grow and develop to meet their full potential. To be eligible for the program, children must be less than 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or documented developmental delay, as defined by the New York State Early Intervention Regulations, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.
Eligibility is established by New York State approved Early Intervention evaluators chosen by a family to conduct multidisciplinary evaluations that will assess the child's overall development and specifically the area of concern identified by the family. If found eligible for the Early Intervention Program, a child may receive services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, family training and special instruction. Services are provided at no out of pocket cost to the family.
Preschool Special Education Program
The Preschool Special Education Program (PSEP) serves preschool children ages three to five that have been determined to be eligible for preschool special education programs and or related services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy through their local School District Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). In addition to acting as a fiscal agent, the Preschool Special Education Program (PSEP) serves as a resource for parents, school districts and professionals to help them participate as full partners in the education process. PSEP staff work as a team with the State Education Department (SED) Quality Assurance to ensure that eligibility and recommendations for services meet SED's regulatory requirements for an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Children with Special Health Care Needs Program
The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) provides information, referral and advocacy for families of children who are physically challenged or chronically ill, birth through 21 years of age.
The Health Department, CSN continues to help shape County and state policy through a number of partnerships including the Downstate Early Childhood Countyl Officials (DECCO), the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council, (LEICC), the State Education Department, and the New York State Department of Health.