Committees on Special Education and Committees on Preschool Special Education

Important Information for Families

What are the Committees on Special Education (CSEs) and Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSEs) and who do they Serve?

There are 11 CSE/CPSEs across the city, and they are responsible for coordinating the special education process for:

  • Preschool children (ages 3-5)
  • Students attending a private, parochial, charter, State Supported or State Approved Non-Public school in New York City
  • Students who live in New York City and attend non-public schools outside New York City and New York State
  • Students who receive home or hospital instruction as their placement on their IEP. (This does not include students on temporary home instruction, as these students are expected to return to their prior school)
  • Students who are being home-schooled
  • Students who are not attending school

How can my child be considered for special education services/how do I submit a referral to the CSEs/CPSEs?

If your child is in one of the categories listed above and you suspect they may have a disability or a delay that impacts their learning, you may submit a referral for a special education evaluation to the CSE associated with your location. See below for email addresses, fax numbers and addresses of where you can submit a referral.

How do I figure out which of the 10 CSEs/CPSEs to contact?

CSE/CPSE offices work with families based on school districts, with each CSE/CPSE supporting families in three-four districts. For preschool-age students (ages 3-5), you are assigned to the CPSE based on where your child lives. For school-age students (ages 5-21), you are assigned to the CSE where your child goes to school except in the following circumstances, in which case you are assigned to the CSE based on where your child lives:

  • If your child attends a school outside of the city
  • If your child is homeschooled
  • If your child is not attending school and has an IEP

To learn what district you live in, go to the New York City Geographic Online Address Translator (GOAT)Click FUNCTION 1B under ADDRESS FUNCTIONS, type in your address, and then scroll down to “City Service information” where you will see “School District..."

Where should I go if I need more information about special education?

What is the contact information for each CSE/CPSE and for submitting referrals to CSE/CPSE?

Click on each CSE region below to get contacts for CSE or CPSE, which you may use to send inquires and submit referrals. You may also hand-deliver referrals to CSE/CPSE offices, which are open to the public from 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

When emailing the CSE/CPSE, please include:

  • Your child's first name, last name, and date of birth
  • If you need support in another language
  • If you (the child's parent/guardian) are deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • The nature of your inquiry

The CSE and CPSE will make every effort to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.

What can I do if my child has hearing issues, and they attend a non-public or public school?

If your child has a hearing loss, there are audiologists/hearing specialists at the CSE offices. They can support your child’s needs through the evaluation and recommendation process. Please contact your local CSE office and if you have prior evaluations to share, please include that in your communication to the CSE personnel.

What information should I include in my initial referral for a special education evaluation?

  • Describe your concerns about your child’s development, learning, and/ or behavior
  • State that you are requesting a special education evaluation
  • Please provide the name and address of your child’s current school (if attending)
  • List any services your child has received or is currently receiving
  • Include your child’s full legal name and date of birth
  • Include your name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number
  • State your preferred language (if it is not English)

 

 

Important Information for Families of Students with IESPs

Welcome, Families!

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.

New York City Public Schools is committed to ensuring your family has resources available to make the best decision that suits your needs and that you are supported through this process. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact your local Committee on Special Education (“CSE”). We are here to support you!

Overview Questions

Will New York City Public Schools arrange Special Education Teacher Support Services (“SETSS”) and related services for families with IESPs who missed the June 1 Notice of Intent deadline for the 2024-2025 school year?

Yes, upon receipt of a signed waiver, New York City Public Schools will arrange SETSS and related services for families with IESPs who filed a Notice of Intent but missed the June 1 deadline.

Is the waiver a requirement to receive special education services during the 2024-2025 school year for students whose families missed the June 1 deadline?

Yes. New York City Public Schools will provide special education services to families that missed the June 1 deadline. However, in response to a recent state appeals decision, New York City Public Schools cannot provide these services without a signed waiver.

Where can families who filed a Notice of Intent after the June 1 deadline access the waiver?

The waiver was emailed and/or mailed to families. If you have not yet received the waiver, please contact your CSE. Contact information for the CSEs is located here: www.schools.nyc.gov/cse

Waiver-Specific Questions

Does signing the waiver take away my rights permanently? What does signing the waiver mean?

No. The waiver is limited to this school year only. Signing the waiver means you agree not to file legal actions, complaints, or seek compensation from New York City Public Schools or the City of New York related to your child’s IESP services only for the 2024-2025 school year. After signing, New York City Public Schools will arrange or issue vouchers for the services in your child’s IESP within 2-3 days.

Will New York City Public Schools accept a waiver with changes or modifications?

No. New York City Public Schools will only accept waivers that are submitted without any additions or changes.

What type of signature is required on the waiver?

A pen-and-ink signature from the parent/guardian is required. E-Signatures will only be accepted using DocuSign and if the email comes directly from the parent/guardian.

How should the waiver be returned to New York City Public Schools?

The waiver should be emailed, mailed, or hand-delivered to your CSE within two weeks of receipt. Please include “PNI Waiver” in the email subject line if submitting via email.

Find your CSE’s contact information here: www.schools.nyc.gov/cse

I do not want to sign the waiver. What can I do?

Families who decline to sign the waiver will not receive vouchers for services for the 2024-2025 school year but are welcome to pursue due process to receive services if they choose.

For more information on parental due process rights, please read the procedural safeguards notice located at the bottom of the linked webpage: www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/due-process-impartial-hearings-and-mediation/due-process-rights

I do not have a provider. Will you help me find one?

You may contact your CSE to help with identifying a provider(s) to implement the services on your child’s IESP. Contact information for each CSE is located here: www.schools.nyc.gov/cse

You may also visit the New York City Public Schools Website to review independent provider lists for SETSS and related services.

Service Arrangements and Deadlines

What happens after the waiver is signed?

Upon receiving the signed waiver, New York City Public Schools will issue SETSS (P-4) authorization forms within 2-3 days. An update on vouchers for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other related services will be provided in early December, and these also require a signed waiver.

Eligibility Questions

Will New York City Public Schools grant my request for enhanced rate services if my Notice of Intent was received by New York City Public Schools after the June 1 deadline?

No. New York City Public Schools will not provide enhanced rate services but will fund the SETSS and/or related services on your child’s current IESP at New York City Public Schools’ standard rates upon receipt of a signed waiver. New York City Public Schools’ standard rate for 1:1 SETSS is $85.91 and $90.00 for 1:1 related services. Families have due process rights if they are seeking services at an enhanced rate.

Will New York City Public Schools grant my request for make-up services if my Notice of Intent was received by New York City Public Schools after the June 1 deadline?

No. New York City Public Schools will not provide make-up services to families who missed the June 1 deadline. Because of the need to serve families who did comply with the legal requirement to provide timely notice, New York City Public Schools cannot offer a retroactive entitlement for services.

I sent an email to the CSE but did not submit a Notice of Intent. Will my child still receive services?

Families can contact the CSE to request services for the 2024-2025 school year and receive support with submitting a Notice of Intent. Contact information for each CSE is located here: www.schools.nyc.gov/cse

Confirmation of Notice of Intent

How do I know if my Notice of Intent was accepted by New York City Public Schools?

If you received a SETSS or related service voucher, or if the CSE contacted you to arrange services, your Notice of Intent was accepted. If you are unsure, contact your CSE for confirmation.

If I have placed my child in a New York City non-public school, what do I have to do for my child to receive special education services for next school year?

If you have placed your child in a non-public school located in New York City at your expense and want your child to continue receiving special education services while enrolled at that school next school year, you must mail a letter with the information below or email the information below to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) office for your child’s school no later than June 1.

See links below for letter/email template in your preferred language.

CPSE/CSE Contact Information

CPSE/CSE 1 Districts: 7, 9, 10

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries 

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries 

CPSE/CSE 1 Address 

  • 1 Fordham Plaza, 7th Floor 
    Bronx, New York 10458 

CPSE/CSE 2 Districts: 8, 11, 12

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries 

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

CPSE/CSE 2 Address

  • 3450 E. Tremont Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Bronx, New York 10465

CSE/CPSE 3 Districts: 25, 26, 28, 29

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries 

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

CPSE/CSE 3 Address

  • Districts 25 & 26: 
    30‐48 Linden Place 
    Flushing, New York 11354 

  • Districts 28 & 29: 
    90‐27 Sutphin Boulevard 
    Jamaica, New York 11435 

CPSE/CSE 4 Districts: 24, 27, 30

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

CPSE/CSE 4 Address

  • Districts 24 & 30: 
    28‐11 Queens Plaza North, 5th Floor 
    Long Island City, New York 11101 

  • District 27: 
    82‐01 Rockaway Boulevard. 2nd Floor 
    Ozone Park, New York 11416

CPSE/CSE 5 Districts: 19, 23, 32

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

CPSE/CSE 5 Address

  • 1665 St. Marks Avenue
    Brooklyn, New York 11233

CPSE/CSE 6 Districts: 17, 18, 22

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

CPSE/CSE 6 Address

  • 5619 Flatlands Avenue
    Brooklyn, New York 11234

CPSE/CSE 7 Districts: 20, 21

CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

    CPSE/CSE 7 Addresses

    • 415 89th Street
      Brooklyn, New York 11209

    CPSE/CSE 8 Districts: 13, 14, 15, 16

    CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

    CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

    CPSE/CSE 8 Address

    • 131 Livingston Street, 4th Floor
      Brooklyn, New York 11201

    CPSE/CSE 9 Districts: 1, 2, 4

    CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

    CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

    CPSE/CSE 9 Address

    • 333 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor
      New York, New York 10001

    CPSE/CSE 10 Districts: 3, 5, 6

    CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

    CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

    CPSE/CSE 10 Address

    • 388 West 125th Street
      New York, New York 10027

    CPSE/CSE 11 District: 31 (new as of March 2024)

    CPSE/Preschool Inquiries

    CSE/School Age (K-12th grade) Inquiries

    CPSE/CSE 11 Address

    • 715 Ocean Terrace, Building A
      Staten Island, New York 10301

     

    In your email, please let us know:

    • Your child's first name, last name, and date of birth
    • If you need support in another language
    • If you (the child's parent/guardian) are deaf or hard-of-hearing
    • The nature of your inquiry

    There may be higher than usual volume, but we will make every effort to respond to your request within 48 hours.

    Committee on Special Education Staff Can Support With the Following:

    • Coordinating the special education process for preschool children ages three to five. Students attending a private, parochial, charter, State Supported or State Approved Non-Public school
    • Students attending non-public schools outside New York City and New York State
    • Students who receive home or hospital instruction as their placement on their IEP (this does not include students on temporary home instruction, as these students are expected to return to their prior school)
    • Students who are being home-schooled
    • Students who are non-attending