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If your family speaks Spanish, Russian or another language at home, the language your child is tested and taught in can change what the IEP says. A child evaluated only in English may look like they need more help, or less, than they do. This guide explains what the NYC Public Schools say about bilingual assessments, what happens when a bilingual class is not available, and how to make sure language is part of the conversation.
Bilingual assessments
The DOE's evaluation page says your child should have a bilingual assessment if your home language is not English. A bilingual assessment is done in English and in your child's home language.
For school-age students, the DOE says the decision is based on the language you use at home, as shown on the Home Language Identification Survey, and on the results of the state's English language tests (NYSITELL or NYSESLAT). A DOE bilingual evaluator is assigned. If one is not available, the DOE says it will use one of these instead:
- a bilingual evaluator from an agency under contract
- an evaluator who speaks one language, working with a spoken or sign language interpreter
- a non-DOE independent bilingual evaluator
For preschool children, the evaluation site list in the CPSE referral packet shows which languages each agency covers, and the CPSE can help you find one that does bilingual assessments.
Bilingual classes and paraprofessionals
An IEP can recommend a bilingual class. The DOE's page on other special education services says that if a child is recommended for a bilingual Integrated Co-Teaching or special class and that class is not available, the child may get support from a paraprofessional who is bilingual in English and the recommended language of instruction. If that is your child's situation, ask the school who the bilingual para is and when they work with your child.
Bilingual related services
Speech, counseling and other related services can also be recommended in a language other than English. When no bilingual provider is available, families sometimes receive a Related Services Authorization (RSA) to find one on their own. See what an RSA is and how to find a provider.
You can take part in your language
You have a right to understand the IEP meeting. Our guide on requesting an interpreter for an IEP meeting explains how to ask. Ask for documents in your language too, and keep copies.
When language services are missing
If the IEP calls for a bilingual class, para or service and your child is not getting it, keep a dated record, ask the school in writing, and save every reply. The missed-services log works in Spanish and Russian too. When required services were not provided, a hearing or a settlement can sometimes award compensatory services. No one can promise that result.
If your child has gone weeks or months without what the IEP promises, you can ask for a free callback. We explain what families in your situation usually do and, where it fits, connect you with help. There is no cost to you, now or later.
Last reviewed: October 2026
