About Local Early Intervention (EI) Program Performance Data

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 616, states are required to have in place a State Performance Plan that describes efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of Part C of IDEA, the Early Intervention Program (EIP) for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Each state must report annually to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), on its performance in an Annual Performance Report (APR). In New York State, the 58 municipalities are considered the local early intervention programs and each municipality's data contributes to the entire state's performance.

The federally required State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) consists of nine applicable indicators, three of which assess compliance with an expectation of 100% (indicators 1, 7, and 8), and six of which are performance or results-driven indicators for which targets are set with stakeholders (for New York State, by the Early Intervention Coordinating Council, or EICC) (indicators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10). The performance indicator for resolution settlement (indicator 9) is not applicable to the NYS Early Intervention Program (EIP).

These indicators are important because they measure the quality of performance, including how and when families receive services. They also help to ensure that services are provided in accordance with federal and state law and regulations.

The SPP/APR is reported to the public and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. Detailed information can be found in the SPP/APRs, which are available here.

In addition to reporting State performance, the performance of each local program must be reported to the public and can be found here.

Data for each indicator are reported by municipality and for the state over the last 10 program years.

Local program reporting is used both for quality improvement purposes and to determine compliance with federal and state requirements.

Indicators

Indicator 1 Timely Services

Percentage of infants and toddlers with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) who receive the early intervention services on their IFSPs in a timely manner

The New York State Early Intervention Program (NYS EIP) considers timely receipt of early intervention services, a service that is received within 30 days from the point that the service is agreed upon with the family.

The source of data for this indicator is the New York State Early Intervention System (NYEIS). Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 2 Services in Natural Environments

Percentage of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who primarily receive early intervention services in the home or community-based settings

Early intervention services and supports should be provided in settings where children typically live, learn, and play with activities that address children's needs built into the child's and family's typical routines, such as mealtime, bath time, or play time.

The source of data for this indicator is NYEIS. Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 3 Child Outcomes

Percent of infants and toddlers with IFSPs who demonstrate improved:

  1. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
  2. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/ communication); and
  3. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.

The NYS EIP uses the Early Childhood Outcomes Center Child Outcomes Summary form and an approved sampling methodology to report Child Outcomes. Two versions of the Child Outcomes Summary Form (one for entry and one for exit data, have been adapted for use in New York State to collect data necessary to measure the three child outcomes for this indicator.

Indicator 4 Family Outcomes

Percentage of families who report that Early Intervention Services have helped the family:

  • Know their rights
  • Effectively communicate the children's needs: and
  • Help their children develop and learn

This is the percent of families indicating that they had positive outcomes as a result of their participation in the Early Intervention Program.

The source of this data is the Family Outcomes Survey administered by New York State Department of Health. This data was sample-based prior to FFY 2018.

Indicator 5 Percent Enrolled Birth to One

Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 1 with IFSPs

This is the number of children served in the Early Intervention Program compared to all children ages birth to one in the municipality.

The source of data for this indicator is NYEIS and census data. Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 6 Percent Enrolled Birth to Three

Percent of infants and toddlers birth to 3 with IFSPs

This is the number of children served in the Early Intervention Program compared to all children ages birth to three in the municipality.

The source of data for this indicator is NYEIS and census data. Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 7 Timely IFSP Meetings

Percentage of eligible infants and toddlers with IFSPs for whom an initial evaluation and an initial IFSP meeting were conducted within 45-days from the date of the referral to the Early Intervention Program

Children referred to the Early Intervention Program must be evaluated to determine eligibility and have an IFSP developed that meets the needs of the child and family within the required 45-day timeline.

The source of data for this indicator is NYEIS. Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 8 Transition Plans and Timelines

The percentage of toddlers with disabilities exiting Part C with timely transition planning for whom the Lead Agency has:

8A. Developed an IFSP with transition steps and services at least 90 days, and at the discretion of all parties, not more than nine months, prior to the toddler's third birthday;

8B. Notified (consistent with any opt-out policy adopted by the State) the State educational agency (SEA) and the local educational agency (LEA) where the toddler resides at least 90 days prior to the toddler's third birthday for toddlers potentially eligible for Part B preschool services; and

8C. Conducted the transition conference held with the approval of the family and at the discretion of all parties between 90 days and nine months prior to the toddler's third birthday for toddlers potentially eligible for Part B preschool services.

The source of data for this indicator is NYEIS. Data for all 58 local programs are included.

Indicator 11 State Systemic Improvement Plan

Percentage of positive responses reported on the Family Outcomes Survey by families participating in Part C.

New York State (NYS) has identified improving family outcomes as the focus of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). The State will improve family outcomes by ensuring the Program and the services provided, are family-centered. The goal is to increase the percentage of positive responses from families on the Family Outcomes Survey.

The source of this data is the Family Outcomes Survey administered by New York State Department of Health. This data was sample-based prior to FFY 2018.