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Many NYC families choose a private or religious school, or homeschool, and still have a child who needs special education. If such a child is found eligible, the IEP team develops an IESP instead of an IEP. The services on it are real, but the paperwork around them runs on its own calendar, and a missed step can put the next school year's services at risk.
What an IESP is
The NYC Public Schools explain on their equitable services (IESP) page that when a New York State resident enrolls a child in a private or religious school in NYC at their own expense, or homeschools, and the child is found eligible, the IEP team develops an Individualized Education Services Program. It may include related services, SETSS and transportation. If your child needs services and has no IESP yet, the schools say to contact your Committee on Special Education (CSE).
The yearly notice parents must send
This step is easy to miss. The schools say that to receive services next school year, a parent must send a Parental Notice of Intent, called a PNI, to the CSE in writing by June 1. For the 2026-2027 year, that date was June 1, 2026. A child first identified as having a disability after June 1 and before April 1 has 30 days from identification. The schools say the PNI is a yearly requirement, even if the current IESP is still in effect, and that it must come from the parent or a licensed attorney with a signed release.
The schools also note that a timely PNI does not give you the right to choose the provider or the location, unless the IESP says so.
When the services are not happening
If the school system has not put your child's IESP services in place, the schools say you can ask for help finding a provider. If you can only find a provider who will not accept the standard rate, you can ask for an enhanced rate. Requests go through the Equitable Services Request Form, emailed to EquitableServicesAssistance@schools.nyc.gov with your child's name and NYCID number in the subject line. Points the schools list:
- An enhanced rate request needs notarized affidavits from the parent, the provider, and the agency if there is one, plus invoices.
- Requests are only considered if the PNI requirement was met or an exception applies.
- Each school year is a separate request.
- They say you will get a response within 60 days.
- Enhanced rates are not authorized if a due process complaint seeking the same relief has been filed.
IESP services run during the 10-month school year, September 1 to June 30. For compensatory IESP services in the summer, the schools say to contact your assigned CSE.
Keep your own trail
Save proof that you sent the PNI and the date. Keep every IESP, provider letter and invoice in one place, and log each week a service did not happen. Our guide to documenting missed services explains what to note, and the provider search guide covers the hunt itself. When required services went undelivered, compensatory services can sometimes be awarded through a hearing or settlement. No one can promise that result. Not sure where your child stands? Try the quick check.
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
