Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions to guide you through the decision-making process for Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) and related services on your child’s IESP. New York City Public Schools will keep updating this resource based on your feedback and questions.

Preschool services can help support a child’s learning, speech and language, physical development, social-emotional skills, and other areas. The DOE Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) manages the process for preschool children. There are 10 CPSE offices in different areas of the city.

Contact your CPSE or ECDC for help finding an agency that can do a bilingual assessment. Your child will be given a bilingual assessment based on: Results of the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) or the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT).

Pre-School Special Education services are available to children ages 3-5 who are found eligible through the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). (To contact the CPSE, call the Committee on Special Education office and ask for the CPSE Administrator for your district.)

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for coordinating the special education process for children 3 to 5 years of age. There are 11 CPSEs in different areas of the city that work with families in the district where the family lives.

Families who move within NYC and/or change their preschool program or childcare location should let their CPSE know as soon as possible. This will help make sure that services begin or continue as planned. You can also email [email protected] or call the Special Education Hotline at 718-935-2007.

IEPs for students with disabilities developed by the CSE/CPSE result in student access, participation and progress in the general education curriculum and address other disability needs of the student. Results of individual evaluations provide the information the CSE needs to make its recommendations.

According to the Department's Guidelines for Services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Preschool Students with Disabilities Ages 3-5 (March 1997), an assessment of the cultural and language needs of the child and family should be provided to the CPSE or conducted by the CPSE upon referral.

Committees on Special Education (CSE) and Preschool Special Education (CPSE) District Committees on Special Education (CSEs) coordinate and carry-out the special education process for students who are not enrolled in NYCDOE district schools.

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) offers several inclusive early childhood care and education options for families of 3- and 4-year olds. 3-K and Pre-K for All programs include both students with and without disabilities or developmental delays.