Special Education
Specifics on this page refer to New York State, however, these services are available nation-wide. Please see your local department of education for more information.
Special Education (ages 5 - 21 years)
Special education is quality education for students who are not well served by the conventional school system. These schools provide appropriate educational opportunities and challenges to meet the specific needs of their student population.
- In a supportive environment, students develop academic strategies and skills to reach their potential as confident and successful individuals and learners.
- Special education programs require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Psycho-Educational Evaluation as part of the admissions application.
Special Ed in More Detail
Families who have children with special needs should feel the philosophy of the school will provide an environment in which their children will thrive. Strong support from the director(s), faculty, and support teams should be evident, as well as open and direct communication.
Additional questions to ask when considering a school:
- What training and experience do providers have?
- What method of teaching is being used at the school?
- What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
- How are transitions for parents and students handled?
- Will my child "fit in" with other students attending?
- Is the provider's tone positive? How is discipline handled?
- Are there at-home visits?
- Are there educational classes for parents or parent groups?
- Who handles medication, if necessary?
- What is the cost to a parent? Is there financial aid?
- Is this site a NYC approved site for funding?
- Where do children go after leaving this school site?
- Does the school provide counseling for future school placement?
- How many months of the year is this program?
- Is busing provided?
See also InsideSchools' Five special ed questions to ask on high school tours.
NYC DOE's annual school survey results include responses related to students with IEPs.
Special education programs require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Psycho-Educational Evaluation as part of the admissions application.
A recent evaluation by qualified professionals not only provides a detailed description of the child’s disability, but also makes specific recommendations about approaches, interventions, strategies, and methodologies that would benefit the child.
Independent schools for students with special needs tend to focus on serving specific needs. It is important to review the school's website to confirm that your child's learning issues will be addressed.
Financial Aid/Affordability
Note that independent special education schools tend to have a very high tuition due to the wide range of services offered within the school day as well as a very small teacher-to-student ratio. Individual school websites will explain the school's financial aid policy and procedures.
If the Committee on Special Education (CSE) team agrees with the parents that there is not an appropriate public school placement for a child, there are different ways by which the DOE will pay for a private school special education placement.
Public School
There is a range of special education options that can be recommended in the public school system. District 75 is the division of the NYC Department of Education that seeks to provide appropriate standards-based educational programs with related support services to students with moderate to severe learning challenges.
The Autism Nest Program is a specialized program that serves some autistic learners. NYC Public Schools with the Nest Program.
If the Committee on Special Education (CSE) team agrees with the parents that there is not an appropriate public school placement for a child, there are different ways by which the DOE will pay for a private school special education placement.
Charter School
Students with disabilities are admitted to charter schools on the same basis as any other student. The CSE is responsible for the evaluation, identification, and placement, and the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), of all children in charter schools.
Additional Resources
- Advocates for Children
- ARISE Coalition (Action for Reform in Special Education)
- Everyone Reading
- INCLUDEnyc
- Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities
- Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
- Museum Access Consortium
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Resource Center on ADHD
- Nest Support Project at NYU
- New York University Child Study Center
- NYC Department of Education District 75
- NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Early Intervention Services
- Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Special Needs Glossary from New York Family
- Understood.org
- YAI Network