Special Education Services
Special Education in NYC
All students with disabilities who require special education services have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The IEP contains information about your child's interests, strengths, needs, goals, and educational program. It is a legal document that describes how the DOE will provide your child:
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A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
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In the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
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Learn what the IEP process looks like in NYCDOE by visiting their website:
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Moving to Preschool
Preschool special education services can support children ages three to five with disabilities or delays in development. These services are provided free of charge to families. Preschool services can help support a child’s learning, speech and language, physical development, social-emotional skills, and other areas.
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If you have a child in PreK, you can read this guide:
NYCDOE's Family Guide to Preschool Special Education Services
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Here is more information on how to obtain services for your Preschooler:
Special Education for Children Entering Preschool
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Moving to Kindergarten
The DOE will work with you to consider whether your child needs special education in Kindergarten, and if so, develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is called the "Turning 5" process, and your participation is important.
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Here is more information on how to obtain services for your Kindergartener:
Special Education for Children Entering Kindergarten
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Moving to Middle School
The expectations and schedule in middle school may be different from what your child experienced in elementary school. Work with your child's IEP team to determine which supports and services your child will need in middle school.
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Here is more information on how to obtain services for your Middle Schooler:
Special Education for Children Entering Middle School
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​If you need assistance with the process, please reach out to your child's teacher.
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Concerned about your child's academics or behaviors?
1- Document what you observe (include when it happens, the frequency and the duration).
2- Speak to your child's teacher about your observations and, together, develop a plan of support.
3- Journal any progress you observe and schedule a meeting with your child's teacher to follow up.
4- If additional support is needed, you and the teacher can discuss reaching out to the School Based Support Team (SBST) and possibly begin the IEP process.
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Obtaining additional supports may seem like a daunting task, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Our SBST will be happy to walk alongside you in this journey.
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AIS: Academic Intervention Services
APE: Adaptive Physical Education
AR: Annual Review
CO: Counseling
CPSE: Committee on Preschool Special Education
CSE: Committee on Special Education
EPC: Educational Planning Conference
HES: Hearing Educational Services
ICT: Integrated Co-Teaching
IDEIA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
OSE: Office of Student Enrollment
OT: Occupational Therapy
PT: Physical Therapy
RS: Related Services
RTI: Response to Intervention
SBST: School Based Support Team
SC: Special Class
SEIT: Special Education Itinerant Teachers
SESIS: Special Education Teacher Support Services
SETSS: Special Education Student Information System
SP: Speech and Language Therapy