123 Naylon Avenue, Livingston New Jersey 07039

973-535-1181

EI and Education

Accessibility Tools

Early Intervention & Education

The Arc of Essex County’s early intervention and education services provide a foundation on which the growth and development of children can thrive.  Early access to additional supports in the areas of communication, motor, learning, social, and emotional skills will prepare your child for lifelong learning.  We understand this is family journey and are in your corner every step of the way to anticipate and guide you through all that lies ahead.

 New Layer Early Intervention Two babies sit on a mat with fabric books in front of them. A group of three women are sitting around them. Uniquely specialized for families with children ages birth to three, The Arc has two Early Intervention programs available to suit your needs. Our team of early childhood specialists works together with parents and other family members to maximize the growth and development of each child by supporting the advancement of motor, communication and social skills.

In-Center Services

The Stepping Stones Early Intervention program is comprised of education professionals, therapists, and volunteers, who work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to provide a variety of social and academic experiences geared towards helping each child attain his or her potential. Using targeted group instruction, along with a combination of therapeutic play, sensory activities, speech and language intervention, caregiver training, and therapeutic feeding, critical developmental milestones can be achieved. Parent support is provided as an essential component of the program. Due to the nature of the program, a parent or caregiver must be present at all sessions. Sessions are held in Fairfield, NJ.

Tuition for the program is significantly reduced due to the generous contributions of The Candle Lighters.
A girl in a pink and white striped shirt looks up at the camera.
A boy plays with toys while a woman claps her hand. They are in a therapy classroom with colorful plastic chairs and activities.

In-Home Services

Funded by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Health, Shapiro Early Intervention is a program for children from birth to age 3 who have, or are at risk for developing, a delay or disability. Eligibility is determined by the Rutgers Targeted Evaluation Team, which evaluates each child against established benchmark criteria. Through therapy and instruction, caregiver training is provided in the home or in day care centers, with flexible appointments available to meet the needs of working families.  Educational supports such as Applied Behavior Analysis, instruction in play and thinking skills, and guidance to develop social, emotional, and behavioral skills are available. Therapeutic supports can include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology. Families also have access to a social worker who can serve as a resource to address additional needs as they arise.
The Arc of Essex County What I love about Stepping Stones is that the staff expects so much from the kids and they don’t put any limitations on them. They push the students to go beyond themselves. That’s what I want my son to carry on. He shouldn’t just settle for the mundane; he should continue to excel and go beyond what anyone expects of him.
-Sheryl W., Parent of a Stepping Stones Student
New Jersey’s premier school for children with Down syndrome, The Arc’s Stepping Stones School has long been a pioneer in Down syndrome education. Decades of experience have shaped the philosophy and curriculum resulting in an innovative and tailored approach for each student. Located in Fairfield, NJ, the school is a Department of Education Approved Private School for Students with Disabilities serving children ages 3-10. The Stepping Stones School utilizes a strong, interdisciplinary team approach to create, implement, and monitor an innovative, individualized and effective comprehensive learning plan for each student. The school offers a full-time program which operates 210 days of the year, including a six-week Extended School Year (ESY) summer program.
The Arc of Essex County Stepping Stones School logo We invite you to learn more

Click here to request more information or a program tour.

Click Here