Information for Parents of Preschoolers
Committee on Preschool Special Education
The Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) coordinates special education evaluation and services for children ages 3-5. To find out more, contact your local CPSE Office. [Read More...]
Related Services Information
When a preschool student requires related services, the DOE seeks a contracted agency related service provicer. It is the responsibility of the DOE, through a CPSE, to coordinate with agencies. If no contracted agency is available, the DOE, through the CPSE, enters into an Independent Agreement (IA) which enables the parents to use an independent provider to serve the child at DOE expense. The CPSE will guide the parent through this process. Please note that provider assignment is an annual process, and the DOE's overall policy on the provision of related services including the issuance of IAs, has not changed this year.
Speech/Language Therapy
These related services help in the way your child understands sounds and language (called auditory processing), with articulation or phonological skills, comprehension, use of syntax, pragmatics, voice production and fluency. They are often integrated into lessons about reading and writing.
Physical Therapy
Uses activities to maintain, improve or restore your child's functioning, including gross motor development, ambulation, balance and coordination in various settings, including but not limited to the classroom, gym, bathroom, playground, staircase and transitions between classes.
Occupational Therapy
This will help your child maintain, improve or restore adaptive and functional skills, including fine motor skills and oral motor skills in all educational activities.
Counseling
These services are designed to improve social and emotional functioning in the areas of appropriate school behavior, discipline, self control, conflict resolution if your child is experiencing difficulty interacting appropriately with adults or peers, withdrawal or acting out, low self-esteem or poor coping skills that significantly interfere with learning.
If your child requires services from a particular provider (e.g., guidance counselor, school psychologist or social worker), that must be specified in the IEP.
Students with Disabilities: Transitioning From Preschool to Kindergarten
Moving from preschool to kindergarten marks the start of an exciting new chapter in your child's life. We know that you have many questions about the New York City Department of Education and its schools. Our staff will do everything possible to make this transition a seamless and successful one for you and for your child. [Read More...]