Early Intervention, CPSE & IEP
Free therapies and special education services for children with disabilities or developmental concerns — from birth through age 21. All three programs are your child's right under federal law.
Early Intervention (EI) — Birth to Age 3
Early Intervention provides free therapies and support services for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have a developmental delay or disability. Services are delivered at home, in daycare, or in your community — no diagnosis needed to apply.
- Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy
- Special instruction and developmental support
- A free Service Coordinator is assigned to guide your family
- No income limit — all NYC families qualify regardless of immigration status
How to apply:
- Apply online at the NYC EI portal — no doctor's note needed
- Call 311 and say "Early Intervention"
- Ask your pediatrician, daycare, or any service provider to refer your child
- Call NYC Early Intervention directly: (212) 676-2500
Tip: A parent's concern is enough to start — trust your instinct and refer early.
CPSE — Preschool Special Education (Ages 3–5)
When your child turns 3 and ages out of Early Intervention, CPSE takes over. The Committee on Preschool Special Education evaluates children ages 3–5 and writes a free Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services can include SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher), speech therapy, OT, PT, counseling, and specialized preschool placement.
How to access CPSE:
- Submit a written referral letter to your district's CPSE office
- Find your district at schools.nyc.gov → Committees on Special Education
- Start the EI → CPSE transition at least 6 months before your child turns 3
Important: Services do not transfer automatically — you must request the transition.
IEP — School-Age Special Education (Ages 5–21)
Once your child enters kindergarten, special education services are managed by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) through an IEP — a legally binding plan updated every year. Under federal law (IDEA), your child has the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). You are a full member of the IEP team.
How to request an IEP evaluation:
- Send a written request to your child's principal asking for a special education evaluation
- The school has 10 days to respond and 60 days to complete the evaluation
- Attend the IEP meeting — you have the right to participate, disagree, and request changes
- You can request an IEP meeting at any time — not just at the annual review
Your Rights
- You can bring an advocate, attorney, or support person to any IEP meeting
- You must receive prior written notice before any change to your child's program
- You can dispute IEP decisions through mediation or an impartial hearing
- Your child has the right to receive services in the least restrictive environment appropriate for them