On this page
If your three or four year old is behind in speech, movement, play or learning, New York City has a free system built for exactly that age. It runs through a different office than the one older children use, and it has its own steps. This guide walks through them in order, and then covers what to do when a preschool IEP is written but the help does not show up.
Who runs it
The NYC Public Schools say preschool special education serves children ages three to five with disabilities or delays in development, and that the services are free to families. The process is managed by the Committee on Preschool Special Education, called the CPSE. The DOE says there are 10 CPSE offices, and you work with the one in the district where you live. Services can start the year a child turns 3. The official page is Moving to Preschool.
Step 1: a written referral
The DOE says a referral is a letter to your local CPSE, and it must be in writing. According to that page, the letter should say you are asking for a preschool special education evaluation, give your child's full legal name and date of birth, describe your concerns, list past services, give your contact details, and name your preferred language if it is not English. Keep a dated copy. After the referral, the CPSE sends a packet that includes a notice the referral was received, a list of evaluation sites, a consent form and information about your rights.
Step 2: the evaluation
You pick a site from the list and book an appointment. If your child speaks a language other than English, the DOE says to choose a site that offers bilingual evaluations. At the first appointment you are asked for your written consent, and the DOE says your child will not be evaluated without it. The DOE lists the parts of an initial evaluation:
- a psychological evaluation of what your child knows and their thinking skills
- a social history about development and family background
- a physical exam, often on a form from your child's doctor
- an observation in the current preschool or childcare setting
- any other assessments needed for the suspected disability
Step 3: the CPSE meeting and the IEP
When the evaluations are done, the CPSE meets to review the results and decide whether your child is eligible. If so, it writes an IEP listing your child's skills, goals, and supports. The DOE says services will not begin unless you give written consent for them to start, so sign that form and keep a copy. Preschool services can include related services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy, a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), integrated or special classes, and supports like a 1:1 paraprofessional or busing. The DOE says it is responsible for arranging all programs and services. Our guide to related services explains the therapy side.
Coming from Early Intervention
The DOE says Early Intervention ends on a child's third birthday and that you must refer your child to the CPSE if you want services after that. Your EI service coordinator should start helping with the move at least six months before your child turns three. The DOE says that if the CPSE meets before your child's third birthday and finds your child eligible, you can choose to end or extend EI services.
When the services are missed
A preschool IEP is only paper until a provider actually comes. Common gaps are a SEIT who was never assigned, speech sessions that stop when a therapist leaves, or a child sitting at home while a special class seat is found. If that happens:
- Keep a log. Write each missed session with the date. Our page on documenting missed services shows a simple format.
- Write to your CPSE. Ask, in writing, when the services will start and who will provide them. The email builder can help you word it.
- Keep the paperwork together. The referral letter, the consent forms, the IEP and every reply.
Time missed at three and four is time families often want made up. Make-up help, called compensatory services, can sometimes be awarded through a hearing or a settlement when required services were not provided. No one can promise that result. You can check whether your situation may qualify in a few minutes.
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
