Parents of children from birth to three years of age can access comprehensive evaluations and services, such as special education and physical, occupational, and speech therapy, by contacting Early Intervention Services or calling 311. The Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) works to improve the system of care for children and young people with special health care needs from birth to 21 years of age and their families. This program helps shape public policies so that families can get the best health care for their children. The National Autism Association provides webinars and instructional videos to help those affected by autism reach their full potential. BronxWorks is an organization that helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being.
Dominic's School is an 853-grade school serving a diverse population of K-12 students with social-emotional needs, neurological impairments, and learning disabilities. Our community-based services program provides case management services to children, youth, and families who reside in New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley. CLINIC IN SCHOOLS brings on-site therapeutic services to ten public elementary, middle, and high schools in Harlem and the South Bronx. This program brings doctors closer to children, ensuring that they receive the care they need and that they can succeed academically.
Doctors and teachers work together to ensure that behavioral and emotional difficulties don't stop children from thriving. Parents should start by talking to the people who know their child best, such as a classroom teacher or other trusted adult from the school. They can also contact a counselor or social worker at the school, an assistant principal or principal, or the parent coordinator. Each school has a counseling plan with contact information on their education department's home page under the “reports” tab.
New York State also provides financial support and technical assistance to programs in most counties in the state that help CYSHCN families by providing them with information about health insurance and connecting them to healthcare providers. The Early Intervention Program involves a close collaborative effort between parents, service coordinators, evaluators, and the New York City Early Intervention Program to develop individualized family service plans that describe the combination of social work, speech, occupational, and physical therapies; special instruction; and group services to be provided throughout the year. The State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services, and activities. The Bronx Council on Developmental Disabilities is an association of parents, advocates, consumers and professionals concerned with the needs of people with developmental disabilities who reside in the Bronx. The New York City AHRC encourages people to participate and become valued members of their community in programs such as adult day services, camping and recreation, and care coordination.
Parents and family members are critical partners in their children's education. A parent or school district can initiate a hearing on issues related to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability or the provision of free appropriate public education for the child. For example, a child with severe depression who has trouble getting out of bed might not need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a special education teacher but could benefit from a 504 plan with accommodations such as counseling, partial credit, reduced workload or breaks to move. If parents decide that their child does not require special education services or programs after consulting with the Committee on Special Education (CSE), they will be provided with information indicating why their child is not eligible. Evaluations include information from parents as well as from a group of evaluators including at least one special education teacher or other person with knowledge of their child's (supposed) disability. If parents do not give consent for their preschooler (age 3) to be evaluated then CSE will take steps to ensure that they have received and understood the request for consent but will not be able to proceed without it. Your child is not removed from education in a normal classroom with other children of the same age just because the general curriculum needs to be modified.
If your child is a child with a disability whose special education programs and services are being reviewed then the Board of Education must organize appropriate special education programs and services within 60 school days after referral for review. Your complaint must include a statement that the school district has violated special education laws or regulations along with facts on which you base your statement. There are three types of notices you will receive at different times during the special education process.
