Special education services are available in most public schools for students age 3 to 21. Services are provided to students with a range of disabilities, from the most mild to the most severe.

Most special education students attend classes with students not in the special education program.

Some special education students attend:

  • Self-contained special education classes in general education schools
  • Special education schools in District 75

You can learn more by speaking to your child's school principal or parent coordinator.

You can also learn more through the Special Education Hotline.

Learn more about special education.

Get contact information for your child's school to reach the parent coordinator.

  • Agency: Department of Education
  • Division: Special Education Hotline
  • Phone Number: (718) 935-2007
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

The student must be evaluated before they can receive services. The Committee on Special Education conducts evaluations. This helps staff determine the student's academic needs.

Student with a Disability

A student with a disability means a student who:

  • Has been identified as a person with a mental, physical, or emotional disability
  • Requires special services and programs approved by the City
  • Is still under age 21 at the beginning of the school year (September 1st)
  • Is allowed to attend public schools under the Education Law

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Individualized Education Programs (IEP) are set up to address the student's:

  • Personal needs
  • Academic needs

This is to ensure success in the general education curriculum.

Families can get Translated Individualized Education Programs (TIEPs) in any language. The Department of Education (DOE) provides this service at no cost.

Eligible families must have a child with an IEP who is either:

  • Currently school-aged (DOE or Charter K-12)
  • Turning 5 years old in the current calendar year

If eligible, families can get a translation of an IEP:

  • At their child's school
  • By submitting a request online or by phone

Once the TIEP is completed, the school's IEP team will arrange delivery to the requesting family.

Online

Learn more about DOE translation and interpretation services.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Education
  • Division: Translation and Interpretation Unit
  • Phone Number: (718) 935-2013
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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