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: