New York Terminology
In New York, the "IEP team" is called the "CSE" (Committee on Special Education) or "CPSE" (Committee on Preschool Special Education) for children ages 3-5.
New York IEP Timelines
Key New York Deadlines
Important: New York's overall timeline (60 school days from referral to IEP meeting) can be longer than some states due to complex scheduling, especially in NYC.
NYC vs. Upstate New York
Special education in New York varies significantly between NYC and the rest of the state:
New York City
- • Largest school district in the US (~1.1M students)
- • CSE meetings often held at regional centers
- • "Turning 5" process for preschool transition
- • D75 district for specialized programs
- • Complex bureaucracy, longer wait times
Upstate/Suburban NY
- • Individual district CSEs
- • BOCES provides regional services
- • Generally shorter wait times
- • More direct communication
- • County role in preschool (CPSE)
The CSE Meeting Process
Who's on the CSE
- • You (the parent) - a required member
- • Your child (when appropriate)
- • CSE Chairperson (district representative)
- • General education teacher
- • Special education teacher
- • School psychologist
- • Parent member (another parent from the district)
- • Related service providers (if applicable)
Parent Member Requirement
New York uniquely requires a parent member on every CSE - another parent from the district who can provide parent perspective. This person is NOT your advocate but can help ensure parent voice is heard.
Classification Categories
New York uses specific classification categories that may differ from federal terms. For example, NY uses "Learning Disabled" instead of "Specific Learning Disability."
NYC-Specific Information
District 75
NYC's citywide district for students with significant disabilities. Provides specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and intensive support across all five boroughs.
Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT)
NYC's main inclusive model - a general ed teacher and special ed teacher in the same classroom. Up to 40% of students can have IEPs.
SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services)
NYC term for supplementary instruction outside the general ed classroom - like resource room or push-in support.
Pendency in NYC
NYC has specific pendency (stay-put) rules. If you file for impartial hearing, your child generally stays in current placement until resolved.
New York-Specific Parent Rights
NY has a robust due process system. Hearings are free, and you can represent yourself or hire an attorney.
Before a hearing, the district must offer a resolution meeting to try to resolve the dispute.
Free mediation services available through NYSED's Special Education Quality Assurance office.
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation paid by the district.
New York Resources
NYSED Special Education Office
State-level oversight and guidance documents.
nysed.gov/special-education
NYC DOE Special Education
NYC-specific resources and CSE information.
schools.nyc.gov/special-education
Advocates for Children of NY
Free legal advocacy for NYC families.
advocatesforchildren.org
Parent to Parent of NYS
Statewide parent support and information center.
parenttoparentnys.org