Early Intervention Program Celebrates Departing Children with Graduation Send-Off
MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2026 — The Livingston County Department of Health’s Early Intervention (EI) team held a graduation celebration to congratulate the toddlers and families transitioning from the Early Intervention Program (EIP) into preschool support and other community resources. The Early Intervention team hosted the inaugural event in the Livingston County Department of Health Clinic, which gave the County’s EI community of providers and families the opportunity to celebrate their hard work in preparing these children for the next phase of life.
“The first three years of life is such a critical period for child development,” remarked Livingston County Health Specialist Jessie Hand, who leads the EI program for Livingston County. “Not only can Early Intervention help to improve communication, movement, learning, social-emotional development, and daily routines for infants and toddlers, the program also empowers the family by giving parents customized tools and strategies to support their child.”
While recognizing unique circumstances and dynamic needs infants and toddlers present to the caregivers, the EIP provides zero-cost support services for infants and toddlers under age three with diagnosed disabilities or developmental delays. As part of the program, providers work with caregivers to develop Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), which identifies the developmental tools specific to each child’s circumstance.
“Each child is unique, and so is their service plan. Having goals tailored to each family ensures that we are providing meaningful support to local children,” said Hand.
The New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Early Intervention oversees the program that began in 1993 and offers assistance such as multidisciplinary therapies, family training and counseling, and other specialized services each child might need. The EI staff organized the graduation ceremony as a way to encourage families, while celebrating the growth of these remarkable children.
While EIP may not be suitable for every case, Hand encourages parents with concerns to contact the Department of Health office, “If families have concerns about the way their child plays, learns, communicates, or moves, we would encourage them to reach out to us,” said Hand. “While EIP supports only children under three years of age, our staff can help guide families through intake and help schedule an evaluation to see if their child may be eligible for Early Intervention services.”
The Department of Health strongly encourages anyone looking for a career where they can make a difference every day in the lives of children, to contact the Livingston County Early Intervention office at 585-243-7299 to inquire about the process of becoming an approved NYS Early Intervention provider. For more comprehensive details, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/service_providers/ and learn more about becoming an approved provider, including the State licenses and certificates needed.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.
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