What to Look For
From the time of birth to five years of age, it is important to note if your child is developing appropriately with walking, talking, vision and hearing. It is important to maintain a record/file of all documents received from providers (medical, physical, educational, clinical, etc.) throughout your child’s life. These documents are generally required for eligibility of services. It is also important to maintain the eligibility received, or the process of eligibility may need to be restarted.
Below is further service/program information related to children ages 0-5.
Birth to Age 3
Contacts for Support Services:
The first step is to contact your pediatrician to make an appointment. If needed, he or she can refer you to Early Intervention Services.
Early Intervention(EI) Services:
Early intervention can make all the difference in maximizing a child’s potential- between birth and age 3 to prepare them for their entry into school. If you are concerned at any point that your child is not getting the help you believe that they need, contact your pediatrician. If you are still concerned, contact Janine Fitzmaurice, Coordinator of Special Needs Children’s Services (see her contact information below) and she will help guide you each step of the way.
Children With Special Health Care Needs
These programs can be of assistance in meeting the care needs of children who have medically complex health, locating daycare services, and getting ready for entry into preschool and elementary school. For more information, please visit the Early Intervention page on Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health.
- The CDC offers more information on milestones and child development – ages birth through 5 years.
- New York State Parent Guide (nysparentguide.org)
- Parent to Parent of New York State offers a parent, who has a child with a developmental disability or special health care need, the opportunity to be connected one-to-one with another parent who knows first-hand about the feelings and realities that come with having a family member with a disability or chronic illness. Through the one-to-one match, an experienced parent can provide emotional support and assist a new parent with finding information and resources.
For more information on what other Family Support Services Parent to Parent of New York State offers, please visit: https://www.ptopnys.org/
Ages 3-5 Years
Services are provided for children with special needs, ages 3-5, in conjunction with the family’s school district.
Call your local school district’s Office of Special Education for referrals.
Consent forms for Pre-School Programs
The Dutchess County Helping our Families Guide is another helpful resource to explore to help families with accessing services.
For further information, please feel welcome to contact:
Janine Fitzmaurice, LCSW
Coordinator of Special Needs Children’s Services
Phone: (845) 486-2759
Email: JFitzmaurice@dutchessny.gov
Early Intervention Program
85 Civic Center Plaza – Suite 106
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Information & Referrals: (845) 486-3518
Fax: (845) 486-3982
New York State (NYS) Early Intervention Program (EIP) Families
Growing Up Healthy Hotline
Do you know about the Growing Up Healthy Hotline?
- The hotline provides information about health care, nutrition, and other family needs.
- It is available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week in English, Spanish, and other languages.
- All calls are Confidential: 1-800-522-5006
For more information, visit: www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/health_care/prenatal/guh.htm
