Resources and Information for Younger Students

Early Childhood Services

Children younger than age five can still have learning issues, which often appear first as issues with their development. There are two programs to assist these younger children and their families. Early Intervention is a program for children up to age three and the Committee on PreSchool Special Education (CPSE) is a program for children between the ages of three and five, when the regular CSE begins.

The Early Intervention Program is funded by sources that include federal grants to states and is based on sound research which demonstrates that young children with developmental delays or other issues can show substantial improvement with early, effective therapies and interventions. A good explanation of Early Intervention has been prepared by Advocates for Children, which is New York City based, but which provides generally applicable information.

A good starting point for parents of pre-school aged children is the booklet prepared by the New York State Education Department, Information for Parents of Preschool Students with Disabilities.