Queens Centers for Progress

Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) is a comprehensive nonprofit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Queens County. Founded in 1950 as United Cerebral Palsy of Queens by parents who needed services for their children with cerebral palsy, the organization has grown to serve over 1,500 individuals annually with approximately 600 staff members. QCP provides person-centered services across the entire lifespan, from infants to seniors in their 90s, including early childhood programs, education, therapy, day habilitation, residential care, vocational training, and employment support.

For families affected by birth injuries, QCP’s Queens Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) serves as the official resource center for families seeking information about developmental services for children from birth to age 5. The ECDC provides free information, referrals, and assistance for families whose children have suspected or diagnosed developmental delays, including cerebral palsy resulting from oxygen deprivation or other birth complications. QCP’s APPLE Preschool Program offers comprehensive therapeutic and educational services for children ages 3 to 5 with disabilities, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

Best For: Queens County families with infants and young children diagnosed with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities following birth injuries who need free information about early intervention services, preschool special education referrals, and comprehensive therapeutic programs.

Strengths & Limitations

Services & Support

Early Childhood Services (Birth to Age 5)

• Queens Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) – Free information, referrals, and assistance for families of children birth to age 5 with suspected or diagnosed developmental delays; provides referrals to Early Intervention, preschool special education (CPSE), and family support services
• APPLE Preschool Program – Full-day program for children ages 3 to 5 with disabilities offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, nursing, and specially designed instruction
• Apple Tree Nursery School (Pre-K for All and 3-K) – Free programs for typically developing 3- and 4-year-olds in collaboration with NYC Department of Education; provides inclusive settings
• Home Equipment & Support Services – Assistance with equipment needs for children with disabilities

Clinical & Therapeutic Services

• Article 16 Clinic – OPWDD-certified clinic providing psychological testing, mental status evaluations, vocational evaluations, social work assessments, and psychotherapy
• Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy – Available through preschool and clinical services
• Counseling Services – Available through APPLE preschool program and Article 16 Clinic

Financial Support

• Family First Program – Provides funding for respite care, medical needs, and equipment during times of crisis; has benefited 248 families
• Free Clinical Evaluations – 99 individuals received free clinical evaluations under Family Support Grant

Family Support Services

• Care Coordination – Non-Medicaid case management to help families secure Medicaid eligibility and OPWDD referrals
• Information and Referral – Through the ECDC, families receive guidance on navigating the early childhood service system
• ECDC Workshops – Educational workshops for families and professionals

Adult Day Services (Ages 21+)

• Day Habilitation – Individually designed services at Bellerose and Jamaica Centers promoting independent living skills for over 400 individuals daily
• CareerPrep – Career training including career exploration, interview skills, travel training, and social skills for employment
• Community Connections Center – Recreation and leisure services for seniors with developmental disabilities who want to retire

Vocational Services

• Community Pre-Vocational Program – Work skills training and volunteer opportunities to prepare for competitive employment
• WorkSource Supported Employment Program – Job placement, on-the-job training, and ongoing support for individuals in community jobs

Residential Services

• Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) – Six facilities including five at the Bellerose Center designed for people who are non-ambulatory with severe physical limitations
• Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs) – Three homes in various Queens neighborhoods
• Robert G. Groh Residence – Home for eight seniors with developmental disabilities in Jamaica Estates

Locations & Contact

QCP Children’s Center (Early Childhood Services)
82-25 164th Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: (718) 374-0002
Fax: (718) 380-3214
ECDC Contact: Catherine Warkala, cwarkala@queenscp.org, ext. 465

QCP Adult Center (Main Administrative Office)
81-15 164th Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: (718) 380-3000
Fax: (718) 380-0483

QCP Bellerose Center (Daniel Wieder Campus)
249-16 Grand Central Parkway
Bellerose, NY 11426
Phone: (718) 279-9404
Fax: (718) 423-1404

General Contact Information
Website: www.queenscp.org
Article 16 Clinic: (718) 380-3000, ext. 269 or 335
Email: QCPClinic@queenscp.org (for clinic referrals)
Facebook: facebook.com/QueensCP
Instagram: @queenscp

Who Can Access Services

Age Range: Birth through elderly (seniors in their 90s)

• ECDC Information: Birth to age 5
• APPLE Preschool: Ages 3 to 5
• Apple Tree Nursery (Pre-K/3-K): Ages 3 to 4
• Adult Services: Age 21+

Geographic Area: Primarily serves Queens County residents

Cost: Most services are free or government-funded

• ECDC services: Free
• Pre-K for All and 3-K: Free (NYC DOE funded)
• APPLE Preschool: Free (funded through NYC DOE/CPSE)
• Article 16 Clinic: Accepts Medicaid and OPWDD Family Support
• Adult Services: Government-funded through OPWDD

Eligibility Requirements:

• ECDC services are available to all families with no eligibility requirements
• APPLE Preschool requires referral from the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) through your local school district
• Article 16 Clinic and most adult services require OPWDD eligibility
• Family Support Services can assist with obtaining Medicaid eligibility and OPWDD referrals

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible facilities and transportation, including wheelchair accessible vehicles
• Bellerose ICF residences designed for people who are non-ambulatory with adaptive equipment
• Remote instruction available for emergency conditions

How to Get Started

For Families of Children Birth to Age 5 (ECDC):

1. Call the Queens Early Childhood Direction Center at (718) 374-0002, ext. 465 or email cwarkala@queenscp.org
2. Speak with an ECDC coordinator who will provide free information and referrals based on your child’s needs
3. Receive guidance on Early Intervention services, CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education), and other family support services
4. Services are immediate, free, and confidential

For APPLE Preschool Program (Ages 3 to 5 with Disabilities):

1. Contact your local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
2. Request an evaluation for preschool special education services
3. If your child is found eligible, CPSE will refer you to approved providers including QCP
4. Call the Children’s Center at (718) 374-0002 for tours and additional information about the APPLE program

For Pre-K for All or 3-K (Typically Developing Children):

1. Apply through the NYC Department of Education’s Pre-K application process
2. Contact the Children’s Center at (718) 374-0002 for more information about Apple Tree Nursery School

For Article 16 Clinic (Clinical Evaluations):

1. Send referrals to QCPClinic@queenscp.org or call (718) 380-3000, ext. 269 or 335
2. OPWDD eligibility is required for most services
3. Complete clinic forms and provide necessary documents prior to appointment

For Adult Services:

1. Contact the main office at (718) 380-3000
2. Confirm OPWDD eligibility (Family Support Services can assist with this process if needed)
3. Discuss available programs including day habilitation, vocational services, or residential options

Bottom Line

Queens Centers for Progress is best suited for Queens County families with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities resulting from birth injuries. As the official Queens Early Childhood Direction Center, QCP serves as an essential first point of contact for any family seeking information about early intervention, preschool special education, or developmental services. The organization’s 75 years of experience, comprehensive therapeutic preschool programs, and lifespan approach mean families can access coordinated services from early childhood through adulthood all within one organization.

However, you should know that QCP is fundamentally a service delivery organization rather than a peer support group, so families seeking parent mentoring or emotional support from other families will need to supplement with other resources. If you live in Queens and need immediate, free guidance on accessing developmental services for your young child, or if you’re looking for a comprehensive preschool program with integrated therapies, QCP’s ECDC and APPLE program are excellent starting points.