Preschool Special Education Services: What Families Should Know

Early childhood is a time of rapid growth and for some children, it’s also a time when developmental delays or challenges become more noticeable. If your child is between the ages of 2.6 and 5 years old and you're concerned about their progress, you may be eligible for Preschool Special Education Services through your local school district.

Kidz Therapy Services is proud to partner with families, school districts, and local agencies to ensure children receive the support they need, early and at no cost to families.

What Is the Preschool Special Education Program?

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is a New York State program that provides evaluations and services for children who are suspected of having a disability. These services are governed by Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law and funded through the New York State Education Department and counties including Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester.

If a child is found eligible for services, the CPSE will create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support their needs during the preschool years.

Your child may qualify for services based on their individual needs if they:

Show signs of developmental delay in areas like speech, motor skills, or behavior

May have been referred by a pediatrician, teacher, or parent

Are determined to have a disability through a multidisciplinary evaluation process

Evaluations and services can take place in your home, daycare, preschool, or community setting. While therapy is fully funded, families are responsible for any preschool or childcare tuition fees.

At Kidz Therapy Services, we believe early intervention leads to lifelong success. To begin the process, contact your local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for a referral. If you’re unsure who to call, the team at Kidz Therapy can help connect you to the right contact.