Introduction

All children benefit from the right school setting. Small classes, skilled and caring teachers, and individualized curriculums are what parents want for all their children. But for children who learn differently, who have problems managing in school, the right kind of class in the right kind of school is even more crucial.

Federal and State laws require that children be afforded a free, appropriate, public education, often referred to as FAPE. It is important to understand that an appropriate education is not necessarily an ideal education, and the United States Supreme Court has interpreted existing law to limit the obligation of the states to providing education that will “benefit” a child with special learning needs.

Most children with learning issues can be helped by services available in their own schools, particularly once a child has been identified as having a learning disability or related problem and has been given an Individualized Educational Program. New York City has recently begun emphasizing special education services as part of a “New Continuum” which is designed to educate every child in the least restrictive environment. A concise explanation of the New Continuum is available on the website of Advocates for Children. Although some of the terms are specific to New York City, the general descriptions of available support services are applicable throughout New York State.