Next Steps: a guide for New York families of young children

A free, plain-language guide for New York families who have noticed something about their young child's development and are not sure where to start. It walks through six steps in the order that actually helps, with the phone numbers and links for each one. No login, no cost.

The six steps

• Health. Start with your child's doctor, who can hear your concerns and connect you with a developmental evaluation.
• Early Intervention or preschool special education. Support for children from birth to age three, and the school-based path from age three.
• Mental and behavioral health. Where families turn when behavior or emotional health is the pressing worry.
• Information and referral. The general front doors that can point you to the rest.
• Special child health case management. Help coordinating care when a child has complex medical needs.
• Parent and community support. Other families who have been where you are.

When your child is older, the family transition planner picks up from age 14. For services in your own county, open the New York disability resources portal. This guide is also published for New Jersey and Pennsylvania families.