Special Education in Early Childhood

When children over the age of 3 are eligible for special education and related services, they are delivered through a child's local school district. Families whose children receive early intervention services will receive information from their early intervention service coordinator about transitioning to their local Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for continued services.

Understanding the Special Education System in New York

In New York, the special education system is divided into two parts:

1

Preschool Special Education

For children aged 3-5 years
Coordinated by local Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
2

School-Age Special Education

For children aged 5-21 years
Coordinated by a school district's Committee on Special Education (CSE)
Children can be referred to the CPSE or CSE for evaluation even if they have never been diagnosed with a disability or received special education services in the past.

Resources for families

These resources provide more information on special education services in New York State:

New York City & State Education

Office of Special Education
Special Education in NYC Public Schools

Advocacy & Support Organizations

Advocates for Children of New York
INCLUDEnyc
Parent to Parent of New York State