Early Childhood Direction Centers

The Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDC) are free, confidential, and neutral Information and Referral, Technical Assistance, and Training Centers .  Parents of children from birth to age five with known or suspected special needs, as well as professionals who provide any kind of services to children, may access ECDC services.  The 15 Statewide ECDCs are grant-funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).  For over 29 years, there has been an ECDC that covers every county and borough of New York State .

You may find it useful to refer a parent to an ECDC for assistance with contacting Early Intervention, preschool special education services, or private service providers.   For example, they can provide the parent with the direct contact number for the EI or school district office in their community.  Trained ECDC staff can offer a fully detailed explanation, so a parent understands what it’s all about.  They’ll even follow up with that parent to make sure all goes smoothly.

ECDCs can provide you or a parent with information about:

• Diagnostic Evaluations
• Early Intervention (EI)
• Infant Stimulation Programs
• Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
• Preschool Special Education Programs
• Speech Language Therapy
• Occupational and Physical Therapy
• Respite Care & Recreational Programs
• Parent Support & Advocacy Groups
• Medical Services
• Legal & Financial Entitlements
• Mental Health Services

An ECDC is just a phone call away!

• Bronx :  (718) 584-0658

• Manhattan :  (212) 746-6175

• Staten Island :  (718) 226-6670

• Dutchess and Orange :  (845) 565-1162 ext. 209

• Westchester, Rockland and Putnam:  (914) 493-2902

Any ECDC can assist you with contact information for other parts of New York State or access more information at  https://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/ecdc/home.html.

https://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/ecdc/home.html