How to Get Started

Start Your Child’s Journey

If you believe your child may have a delay or difference in development, you probably already feel how important it is to find support.

But taking the first step isn’t always easy. With all of the programs and resources available, it’s natural for families to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where or how to start. We make the evaluation process as simple and straightforward as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on accessing therapies and other services that help support your child’s development.

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Birth to 3 Years Old

Step 1: Schedule an Early Intervention Evaluation

For children ages birth to 3 years old, begin by scheduling an evaluation with your county’s Early Intervention office. The evaluation will determine if your child is eligible for services under the EI program.

Liberty POST is an approved Early Intervention Evaluator. We would be happy to perform your child’s evaluation; you can request Liberty POST as the evaluator when you call the county office to schedule an evaluation.

Liberty POST will collaborate with Early Invention officials in your region to begin the process of developing an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for your child. This plan will determine the best course of intervention, as well as goals, how often intervention will take place, and where intervention will take place.

If your child is eligible for services, Liberty POST would love to discuss how we can support your child. Liberty POST is an approved Early Intervention service provider. If your child is determined eligible for Early Intervention, please feel free to contact Liberty POST about available services.

3 – 5 Years Old

Step 1: Schedule a CPSE Evaluation

If your child is between 3 – 5 years old, schedule an evaluation with your school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Liberty POST is an approved evaluator under the New York State Education Department. The evaluation will determine if your child is eligible for services under that program.

If your child is eligible for CPSE, your evaluator will work with you and your school district’s committee to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This plan will determine services, frequency of services, and what goals your child will be working toward.

Once your IEP is finalized, you can choose Liberty POST as your service provider to deliver services per your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Children 5 and Up

If you are interested in services for a child 5 years of age or older, please contact Liberty POST directly to begin discussing areas of concern and potential courses of intervention. Available services include:

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
  • Audiology
  • Diagnostic Evaluations
  • Music Therapy
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Sensory integration therapies
  • Social Work / Counseling
  • Special Education
  • Speech/Language Therapy
Kind mother helping her son doing homework in kitchen.

Signs of Possible Developmental Delay

Signs of a developmental delay can be present in the way your child communicates, engages socially, regulates their emotions, or moves throughout their environment.

Beautiful toddler sitting on the floor playing with building blocks toys at kindergarten

Here are a few signs of developmental delays or differing abilities that may prompt an evaluation:

  • Difficulty forming words and sounds
  • Difficulty with movement, coordination, strength or balance
  • Limited response to their name
  • Participation in conversations with others is limited
  • Withdrawn, shy, or aggressive behavior
  • Difficulty following directions

There are many aspects of development that could prompt families to seek an evaluation; feel free to call Liberty POST to discuss any questions or concerns.

A pediatrician or childcare provider may be able to provide insight on the progress of your child’s development or elaborate more on the key milestones to expect at their age. However, families can always pursue Early Intervention or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) evaluations. Evaluations through Early Intervention are at no cost to families.

There’s no age or time limit on reaching your child’s full potential. Liberty POST is happy to work with children of all ages through funded programs, as well as private pay options, to individually tailor our services to the unique needs of each child.