The Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC),
funded by the New York State Education Department, provides free,
confidential information and referral to parents, professionals and
agencies about services for young children with diagnosed or
suspected special needs. The Suffolk Early Childhood Direction
Center, one of fifteen ECDCs in New York State, is locally sponsored
by the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI). Children and
families referred to the Suffolk ECDC should reside in the county
and be between birth and five years of age.
ECDC staff provides information
about and referrals to:
Diagnostic
and Evaluation Services
Infant
and Toddler Early Intervention Services
Preschool Special
Education Services
Daycare and Head Start
Programs
Respite Programs
Summer Programs
Parent Education and
Support Groups
Counseling
Advocacy
Medical/Dental Services
Entitlements
Family Support Services
Services provided by the ECDC
include:
Linking children and families to
available services and programs in Suffolk County
Referrals to agencies and professionals providing services to
young children with special needs and their families
Referrals of infants and toddlers to the Early Intervention
Program (EI)
Referrals of children to the Committee on Preschool Special
Education (CPSE)
Follow up telephone contact with families until their child
reaches age five
Contact Information:
99 Hollywood Drive
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone 631.863.2600
Fax 631.863.2082 ECDCSuffolk@ddiinfo.org
