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Family Guide to NYS Early Childhood Services – Prenatal through Age 5
Paid Family Leave
NYS now offers job-protected, paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a loved one with a serious health condition or help relieve family pressures when someone is called to active military service abroad. To find out more, call the Helpline at 1.844.337.6303 or
www.ny.gov/PaidFamilyLeave
The New York State Enhanced Services to Refugee Program
Supports newly arrived refugee families in obtaining services like language training, health services, and employment.
www.otda.ny.gov/programs/bria/
Parent to Parent of NYS
An organization that empowers families who care for children with developmental disabilities.
www.parenttoparentnys.org
Families Together of NYS
An organization that supports families and children with social, emotional, and behavioral problems.
www.ftnys.orgpe
eiFamilies
An organization that supports parents with children who receive Early Intervention services.
www.eifamilies.com
Prevent Child Abuse NY
An organization that offers parenting support and resources including a parent helpline.
1.800.CHILDREN
www.preventchildabuseny.com
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Development
The New York State Office of Mental Health
Connects you to local resources and services for perinatal depression, child mental health, and other social-emotional needs for your family. www.omh.ny.gov
Postpartum Resource Center of New York
An organization that ensures families receive the mental health support needed after giving birth. Call the Helpline at 1.855.631.0001 or www.postpartumny.org
Health and Safety
Growing Up Healthy Hotline Provides information about health care, nutrition, and other family needs. Available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week in English, Spanish, and other languages. All calls are confidential. 1.800.522.5006
Medicaid + Child Health Plus
Your family may qualify for Medicaid or CHP if you meet certain financial requirements. Apply through the NY State of Health marketplace, or by calling the Medicaid Helpline at 1.800.541.2831 or CHP 1.800.698.4KIDS
NY State of Health Marketplace
Online resources to help you shop, compare and enroll in a low-cost quality health insurance plan.
www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov
Dental Service and Resources
Find resources for prenatal and childhood oral health.
www.health.ny.gov/prevention/dental
Child Passenger Safety
Safety seat inspection stations.
www.safeny.ny.gov
Injury Prevention
SAFE KIDS NY is an organization dedicated to preventing injuries to children. For more information visit:
www.safekidsnystate.org
Basic Needs (Food, clothing, shelter)
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC promotes and supports the good health of qualifying infants, children, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum. www.health.ny.gov/wic
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
NYS program that helps buy healthy food for you and your family when money is tight.
www.ny.gov/services/apply.snap
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
NYS program that helps pay the cost of heating your home.
www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap
211nys
211 is an easy-to-remember number that helps connect NY families with basic needs and support.
Regional Food Bank
The NYS Department of Health has a website to help you connect to your local food pantry.
www.health.ny.gov/nutrition
Shelter Support
If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact your local Department of Social Services.
www.otda.ny.gov/programs/housing
*Eligibility and enrollment for SNAP, HEAP, Assistance Programs, Health Insurance, and tax credit information can be found at www.mybenefits.ny.gov
Family Guide to NYS Early Childhood Services – Prenatal through Age 5
Home Visiting (age prenatal – 5)
Home visitors offer support to pregnant women and families with children birth to age 5 to promote healthy child development. Home visiting is provided at no cost to your family. To find a home visiting program near you:
www.health.ny.gov/ParentingSupport
Early Intervention (age 0 - 3)
Every country has an Early Intervention Program (EIP) to support infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 years with disabilities or developmental delays. Services are provided at no cost to eligible families. Find your county provide at:
www.health.ny.gov
Head Start (age 0 – 5)
Head Start/Early Head Start offers services and supports to help families reach their goals. Programs offer full-day, half-day, and home visiting options at no cost to eligible families. To find a program near you go to:
www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Preschool Special Education (age 3 – 5)
Preschool Special Education provides services to meet the needs of identified preschool students with disabilities. Services are provided through your local school district at no cost to your family.
www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed
Sign up for Health Insurance: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov 1.800.541.2831
Poison Control: 1.800.222.1222
Crisis Text Line: Text “Got5” to 741-741