When is my child eligible for Preschool Special Education?

Your child can begin receiving preschool special education services in the year when he or she turns 3 years old. The exact date of eligibility depends on your child’s birthday: 

• If your child’s third birthday is between January 1 and June 30: your child is eligible for preschool special education services starting on January 2.
• If your child’s third birthday is between July 1 and December 31: your child is eligible for preschool special education services starting on July 1. 

Some young children may already be receiving services through the Early Intervention (EI) program, which serves children ages 0 to 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. If you want your child to receive special education services after EI ends, you need to refer your child to CPSE. Services will not continue automatically. You should make sure that the referral to CPSE happens well before your child’s third birthday in order to avoid a gap in services.

Information provided by the Advocates for Children of New York