Challenge Early Intervention Center
A Comprehensive Approach to Early Childhood Development

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hallenge Early Intervention Center stands as one of the largest providers of early intervention services in New York City. The New York City Early Intervention Program is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, and services are provided at no cost. Challenge has been serving the field by assisting children with developmental delays and special needs from birth to age three for over three decades. From the moment a family refers their child to the program, Challenge provides continuous support and guides the family through each step, including a smooth transition to preschool.

“We are passionate about delivering high-quality services that are essential for fostering skill development. Wherever children receive their services, our goal is to ensure that families feel supported, heard, and well cared for throughout the process,” says Shoshana Gifter, program director.

Challenge Early Intervention Center’s team of professionals encompasses certified teachers; occupational, physical and speech therapists; nutritionists, vision therapists, psychologists, social workers and various ABA providers, all dedicated to providing well-rounded care, promoting growth and improved quality of life. Their collaborative efforts ensure that each child receives personalized support, tailored to their unique needs.

When parents request an evaluation due to possible developmental delays, a dedicated service coordinator contacts the family and arranges for a comprehensive assessment. The assessment focuses on five critical areas, including communication skills, adaptive skills, physical abilities, cognitive development, and social-emotional development. The insights gleaned determine the child’s eligibility for early intervention services.

Every Child, Every Environment

Following program eligibility, the Early Intervention Team creates an individualized family services plan (IFSP) to outline goals for the next six months, which is re-assessed every six months thereafter as the child’s needs change. Once the initial plan is created, the agency connects families with qualified providers who can offer services in a mutually acceptable setting, including homes and daycares, as well as parks or other public spaces, as per the family’s convenience.

For home-based services, the family’s service coordinator facilitates sessions based on the family’s routine, prioritizing a parent-driven approach to early intervention. Families help to create a schedule that aligns with their needs, promoting collaboration with their therapy team to ensure the best possible support for developing children.
Children receiving ABA services at home may also benefit from daily group sessions to foster the generalization of learned skills in a social environment, promoting peer interaction and learning in real-world contexts. Trained teachers provide children with one to two hours of individualized ABA services, supported by teacher’s assistants who deliver hands-on instruction. Close supervision and constant interaction allow for ongoing troubleshooting and immediate feedback. This model ensures that skills learned in one-on-one settings translate into everyday growth and success.
By offering both home and center-based care in line with federal early intervention standards, Challenge reinforces the effectiveness of its individualized approach.

From Isolation to Interaction

Ms. Gifter recounts a personal experience of providing home-based ABA services that illustrates the effectiveness of Challenge Early Intervention Center’s individualized approach to autism treatment and child development. She began servicing a 15-month-old child shortly after he received his ASD diagnosis. He presented as aloof and unapproachable, and with his mother expecting a new baby, there was increasing worry regarding his potential for building a loving bond with his sibling. Ms. Gifter focused on building trust with him, following his lead and creating a safe space for friendship and overall growth. Once he turned two, Ms. Gifter accompanied him to preschool twice weekly, helping him develop peer relationships.

His skills continued to blossom as he neared his third birthday; he was a completely different child. He could now enjoy novel experiences, participate in conversations, and lovingly play with his sister. This remarkable success story for Challenge Early Intervention Center showcases a marvelous transformation, taking a child from minimally interactive to socially developed and communicative.

Today, Challenge Early Intervention Center continues to provide not only a safety net for children but also a partnership with parents, guiding families through their early intervention journey and working together toward the best possible outcome.