Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special Education includes services, programs, and specially designed instruction to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability. Students with disabilities who require special education services have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The IEP is created by a team that includes the parent. It will contain information about the child's interests, strengths, needs, and goals. It is a map that lays out the special education instruction, supports, and services the child needs to make progress and succeed in school. The IEP is a legal document that describes how the DOE will provide the child with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) appropriate to meet the child's needs. LRE means that the child will be in schools and classrooms with peers without disabilities for as much of the day as possible.
For more information please visit the DOE website.
Resources for Schools and Families
Family Guide To Special Education Services
The Family Guide to Special Education Services is available in various languages on the DOE website to download.
Special Education Contact Information
For information or questions please email specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov and/or D75info@schools.nyc.gov or call (718) 935-2007 or 311.
Families of students with disabilities who attend charter or nonpublic schools should visit schools.nyc.gov/CSE
CPSE/CSE 8 Districts: 13, 14, 15 & 16
131 Livingston Street - 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 935-5167
(718) 935-4322
Specialized Programs
- Academic, Career, and Essential Skills Program (ACES)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Nest and ASD Horizon
- Bilingual Special Education (BSE)
For more information about these programs and how to apply, visit www.schools.nyc.gov/special-education/school-settings/specialized-programs
If you have any questions specific to Specialized Programs, email: SpecializedPrograms@schools.nyc.gov
Parent Workshop
To attend a parent workshop please visit a parent center:
- Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx: INCLUDEnyc - www.includenyc.org
- Staten Island: Parent to Parent NY - www.parenttoparentnyinc.org
Transition and College Access Centers (TCAC)
In collaboration with various stakeholders, the Transition and College Access Centers will support schools and families with facilitating a seamless transition for students from school to adult life, in preparation to be productive, fulfilled members of society.
For more information please visit the DOE website.
TCAC Location and Contact Information
Boys & Girls High School
1700 Fulton Street, First Floor, Room G170
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Phone: 718-804-6790 / Fax: 718-804-6734
Email: bklyntcac@schools.nyc.gov
DeWitt Clinton High School
100 W. Mosholu Pkwy S, First Floor, Room 150
Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: 718-581-2250 / Fax: 718-581-2251
Email: bxtcac@schools.nyc.gov
Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace, Second Floor, Room 204
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-390-1500 ext. 5723
Email: sitcac@schools.nyc.gov