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Services and Supports for Children: Birth through Age 5

INCLUDEnyc supports parents of young children (0-5) with disabilities or suspected disabilities on navigating systems and identifying resources. All activities and materials are made available in English and Spanish, and other languages as needed.

Help Line

INCLUDEnyc educators provide one-to-one support to families of children 0-5 years old and professionals who work with infants and young children. Our team offers information and coaching on a variety of topics including:

  • Next steps for parents who may suspect that their child has a developmental delay
  • How to request an evaluation to obtain services, if found eligible
  • How to navigate Early Intervention and preschool special education services
  • How to understand their child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • How to manage the transitions to preschool and kindergarten

As part of our coaching, we offer tip sheets, communication templates, contact information, and other materials as needed.

Workshops

We partner with community-based organizations, early childhood programs, preschool special education programs, libraries, faith-based organizations, and health care providers to facilitate interactive, learner-centered workshops for families and professionals.

Our workshops include:

  • Understanding Early Intervention: Get an overview of services and supports for infants and toddlers with known or suspected developmental delays or disabilities. We will review the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which outlines your family’s goals, services, and supports. We’ll also share information on the transition to preschool. For children ages 0-3.
  • Understanding Your Child’s Preschool IEP: Participants learn more about special education services for preschoolers, including how to request an evaluation, how to thoroughly review the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and strategies they can use to prepare for their IEP meeting. For children ages 3-5.
  • Introduction to Preschool Special Education: Learn about the timeline for referral, evaluation, provisions of services, and preschool placement. We’ll also explore the educational rights of children and families, including placement and location of services, and parental roles in the process. For children ages 3-5.
  • Your Kindergarten Guide (Turning 5): For all children turning five, it’s time to prepare for kindergarten. We’ll review the kindergarten admissions and special education processes to get you on track for this transition. For children ages 3-5.
  • Preschool Busing and Specialized Transportation: Get information on how to obtain specialized transportation and medical accommodations like limited travel time and climate control. Participants also learn about the role of the bus team, which includes the parent, driver, attendant, and bus paraprofessional. Strategies to resolve issues are also reviewed. For children ages 3-5.
  • Advocacy Skills for Families of Young Children: Participants learn how to advocate for their young child with a disability. They also explore the skills they need to navigate service systems, request evaluations and services, resolve disagreements, and communicate effectively. For children ages 0-5.
  • Parenting a Young Child with a Disability: Educators and participants share experiences and explore strategies for effective parenting, behavior management, advocating for a child with disabilities, building a support system, and self care. For children ages 0-5.
  • Exploring the Early Years: Understanding Differences in Development: Participants review child development milestones, what parents should do if they have concerns about their child’s development, including age-appropriate characteristics of speech delays, sensory issues, and autism spectrum. We also discuss how to build a support system, the importance of routines, and about Early Intervention and the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). For children ages 0-5.
  • Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children: Learn about the behavior of young children and the functions of their behavior. We’ll also discuss strategies for positive reinforcement and how to prevent and manage challenging behavior at home, in an early childhood program and in the community. For children ages 0-5.
  • Playing with Purpose in the Early Years: When children play, they learn valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives. They can learn to think strategically, develop problem-solving skills, and begin to relate to others. This workshop focuses on the importance of play in the early years. We will identify the stages of play, benefits, barriers, and explore strategies that can be used to support your child’s development through play in everyday life. For parents of children ages 0-5.

If you would like to book a free workshop, fill out this form or please contact Rich at 212-677-4650 x11 or roverton@INCLUDEnyc.org for more information.

Special Guest Workshops

INCLUDEnyc offers online workshops for parents and professionals featuring special guests and topics including:

  • Remote Early Intervention Visits and Ways Families Help Their Baby Develop
  • Moving from Early Intervention to Preschool Services
  • Kindergarten for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Proactive Strategies for Challenging Behavior at Home
  • Tips on Toilet Training Your Toddler