SI in NYC EI
Special Instruction
Special instructors are the generalist educators of early intervention, working across all developmental domains, cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, and communication. SIs are high in demand and often have the most flexible schedules.
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NYC EI pay rates, SI
What do NYC EI SIs earn?
Rates vary significantly across agencies. Licensed SIs earn $36–$60/session across 14 agencies on EI Match. At 20 sessions/week over 48 weeks, that's $34,560–$57,600/year.
Rates by agency, SI per session
The role
What does an EI SI do?
You facilitate developmental activities, implement IFSP goals across multiple domains, and serve as the primary developmental coach for families. Special instruction is often the first service a family receives.
Licensing
License requirements in NYC
NYS requires specific credentials, typically a degree in early childhood special education or related field plus NYS EI certification.
What SIs do in NYC EI
Special Instructor in NYC Early Intervention
NYC EI Special Instructors work with infants and toddlers with developmental delays across cognitive, social, adaptive, and communication domains. Sessions are play-based and home-based, focused on developmentally appropriate activities that promote milestone acquisition. SIs often work alongside SLPs and OTs on multi-disciplinary IFSP teams.
Licensing requirements
NYS teacher certification in Early Childhood Education or Special Education (Birth to Grade 2). NYC DOE Early Childhood Special Education certification is also accepted. Your license must be active and in good standing with the NYS Office of Professions at the time of your NYC DOH early intervention application. Review the full NYC DOH approval guide for step-by-step instructions.
Demand for SIs in NYC EI
Special Instruction has the highest case volume in NYC EI by number of sessions delivered. SI is the most commonly prescribed service in IFSPs, and agencies always have open SI cases available.
SI has the lowest per-session rate of the clinical disciplines ($40 to $60/session), but caseload building is the fastest of any discipline. Many SIs supplement with ABA collaboration or take on high session volumes to reach their income targets.
Related guides
Resources for NYC EI SIs
Common questions
FAQ for SIs in NYC EI
Yes, EI providers must be approved by the NYC DOHMH. Most agencies walk you through the approval process and can start onboarding before you're fully approved.
Yes. Most NYC EI SIs work with 2–3 agencies to fill their caseload. Agencies are used to this and EI Match can help you find the right mix.
It varies, some agencies pay within 14 days, others take 30–45. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life differences between agencies. EI Match shows each agency's payment cycle upfront.
Most EI therapists work as 1099 independent contractors and manage their own taxes. A small number of agencies offer W-2 with benefits. 1099 typically pays more per session.
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