Community Resource Guide to Available Services for Preschool Children

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Families of very young children who are at risk for developmental disabilities often experience a multitude of social, psychological, and environmental problems. Many of those children will qualify for intervention services through Suffolk County, but some will not, even though the family sees a need and is therefore actively seeking assistance for the child. Many of these families are unaware of the broad range of other, available community resources. Through a consortium of Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) employees, local service providers, and school districts, this community resource guide was developed so that school district officials, families, and Early Intervention service coordinators can recommend no cost/low cost resources in the community for children who do not qualify for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) intervention services through Suffolk County. The objective of this guide is to educate, as well as to extend a family-centered focus after a child has either completed an Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education evaluation and has not yet qualified for services, or has already received intervention services and no longer needs these intensive special services. This guide provides an invaluable source of practical assurance and, therefore, hopes for the family seeking help for a very young child.