EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
(Birth to Age Three)

The Early Intervention Program serves children from birth to 3 years of age who experience delays in development. The program is designed to improve development in speech and language, thinking skills, social skills, and fine and gross motor movement.

The 12-month program provides a full spectrum of services including evaluations, special education, speech-language therapy, pediatric feeding/swallowing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, service coordination, audiology and social work. The program works closely with the child's family members, who are an integral part of the early intervention team. The Center also acts as a resource to help parents learn what to expect regarding their child's development.

Community Services

Early intervention services are provided at home or in community settings, such as child care centers. The Early Intervention Program covers the cost of early intervention services only. The Early Intervention Program does not pay for day care or other fees charged by community settings.

Center-Based Services

For children who may benefit from more intensive services in a group learning environment, classroom programs are available at our North Street location.

How to Access This Program

Children, birth to 3 years, with communication and/or developmental disabilities and who are in need of specialized services, may be eligible for the Early Intervention Program. The program is coordinated through the county in which the child resides. Parents with concerns about their child's development may inquire about the Early Intervention

Program in Chautauqua County at 716-363-4788, in Erie County at 716-858-6374, or in Niagara County at 716-278-8180. Once eligibility is determined by a State-approved evaluator under contract with the municipality, a service coordinator will act as a parent liaison and assist you in accessing available services authorized by the municipality.

Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center is approved by New York State and has contracts with Erie,

Niagara, and Chautauqua counties to provide Early Intervention services and evaluations. The Early Intervention Program is a public program funded by New York State and county governments.