How to get my child evaluated in nyc
Getting Services for Your Child Through CPSE – Big City Moms
Summer is almost upon us, and we want to make sure our kids are ready for their first day of school in September and this includes making sure they receive the services they need through the Department of Education such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction, etc. As speech therapists, we have heard parents say time and time again that navigating the labyrinth of CPSE can be overwhelming, so we are here to make it just a little easier. Let’s start by answering the basic who, what, when, where, and why of CPSE.
Who is eligible?
Every child from the age of 3-5 is eligible for an evaluation through CPSE for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. If you are a concerned parent and would like your child evaluated, all you have to do in New York City is call 311. Tell the operator the age of your child and the area of concern. They will, in turn, provide you with a number for an agency that will conduct the evaluations or provide you with the number for CPSE directly for your district. If you decide to contact the CPSE administrator directly, they will ask you to send a request for a referral in writing. Some children have already gone through the Early Intervention process and need a continuation of services when their child turns 3; however, Early Intervention falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and CPSE is under the Department of Education. Therefore, a separate evaluation must be conducted through CPSE for your child to continue with services after Early Intervention ends and your Service Coordinator will be able to assist you.
What happens next?
Parents will receive a packet containing notice that CPSE has received the referral and a notice of due process rights listing. Parents will also receive a consent for an Initial Preschool Evaluation form and a list of approved preschool evaluation sites in New York City. The parent must also sign consent for the evaluations to begin. Once the forms are filled out and parents pick an evaluation site, the evaluations can get underway.
A psychological evaluation is often conducted first to determine if other evaluations are needed (speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.).
When will the process be completed?
The whole process can take up to 60 school days. This is called the 30/30 rule, and it means 30 days to the evaluation process and after that 30 days to implementation of services, should your child qualify.
Where do I go to get started with the evaluation process?
If you would like to contact the CPSE administrator for your district directly, there is a list of contact information based on location at the link below. http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/ContactsResources/cse.htm
If you would like to contact an agency directly, below is a list of agencies that conduct CPSE evaluations:
1. Achieve Beyond
2. TheraCare
3. Up We Grow
4. All About Kids
5. New York Center For Child Development
6. Bilingual Care
Why should we consider CPSE?
If your child is between the ages of 3-5 and you are concerned with their development of speech and language, physical development, and/or cognitive growth, you should consider getting support for your child.
How will services be provided?
Should your child be found eligible based on the evaluations, you will then be asked to attend an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. At this meeting, the committee will determine the frequency and duration of the treatment needed, generate goals, and answer your questions and concerns. It is possible for services to be provided in the home, but this is rare. Most services are provided in a preschool or even an office/gym/group that contracts with the Department of Education and accepts Related Service Authorization (RSA). The Committee on Preschool Education can provide you with a list of contracting service providers.
If you are a parent that would prefer not to go through the CPSE process another route may to find an in-home private therapist. We know how overwhelming this process may seem, but hopefully this information has made the process a little less daunting!
Image via Flickr User Crazybananas
Evaluation
After you give consent, we have 60 calendar days to evaluate your child.
Evaluation Location
Preschool-Age Children
- Children may be eligible for preschool special education services during the year in which they turn three through the end of the school year in which they turn five.
- Upon receipt of your written referral, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) will provide you with a referral packet containing important information.
- The referral packet will contain a list of approved evaluation sites. You can choose a site from this list and set up an evaluation.
School-Age Students in Public School
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team will evaluate your child at school.
School-Age Students in Religious, Private, or Charter Schools, or Not Enrolled in School
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) will evaluate your child at the CSE in your school district or at your child’s school, if possible.
Initial Evaluation
The DOE will evaluate your child in all areas related to the suspected disability.
The evaluation includes all of the following:
Social History
An interview with you to get information about your child’s development and family history.
Psychoeducational
A test that looks at what your child knows and how he or she learns.
Observation
A study of your child in his or her classroom.
Physical Examination
A recent report of your child's vision, hearing, and general health from your doctor. If you have trouble getting this, ask the IEP team, CSE or CPSE to help you get an examination at no cost.
Other Assessments, When Needed
- Speech and Language
- Sign Language Fluency
- Occupational and/or Physical Therapy
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
- Assistive Technology (AT)
- School records
- Teacher assessments
- Interviews to determine work skills and interests, if your child is 12 or older
Independent Assessments
An independent assessment is done by someone who does not work for the DOE.
Independent Assessments Paid for by You
We will evaluate your child, but you have the right to pay for an independent assessment. If your child is eligible, Medicaid may cover this cost. Results are only given to you, but the IEP team will consider any independent assessments that you provide to them.
Independent Assessments Paid for by the DOE
If you disagree with an assessment conducted by the DOE, you can request that the DOE pay for an independent assessment. You must make this request in writing and give it to the IEP team, CSE, or CPSE. We will either agree to pay for an independent assessment or begin an impartial hearing.
If we agree to pay, you must:
- Choose a qualified evaluator who does not charge higher than the maximum rate; and
- Ask for reimbursement within a reasonable period of time.
If we begin an impartial hearing, and the impartial hearing officer finds that the assessment conducted by the DOE is appropriate, you still have the right to get and share an independent assessment with the IEP team, CSE, or CPSE.
However, we will not pay for the independent assessment.
Bilingual Assessments
Your child should have a bilingual assessment if your home language is not English. A bilingual assessment is done in both English and your child’s home language.
Preschool-Age Children
- Languages will be identified by an agency on the evaluation site list in the referral packet.
- Contact your CPSE or ECDC for help finding an agency that can do a bilingual assessment.
School-Age Students
Your child will be given a bilingual assessment based on:
- The language you use in your home, as indicated on the Home Language Identification Survey; and
- Results of the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) or the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT). Learn about these tests for English language learners.
A DOE bilingual evaluator will be assigned.
If a bilingual evaluator is not available, we will use one of the following:
- A bilingual evaluator who works for an agency under contract
- A monolingual evaluator with a a spoken language or sign language interpreter
- A non-DOE independent bilingual evaluator
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Important COVID-19 Information
Most recent benefit information: May 10, 2022
- FHEPS . Due to the latest state law change that the Governor signed into law, effective February 16, 2022, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) will increase the Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) payment standards.
Visit FHEPS web page for more information and to find the appropriate forms.
- Please only come to the HRA office if your questions cannot be resolved through the ACCESS HRA portal or helpline at 718-557-1399. Information on branch locations can be found on the corresponding HRA web page .
- All Cash Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants who have been approved for assistance will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card by mail. If you have not yet received an EBT card, you can get a permanent card at Over the Counter (OTC) in Brooklyn, or a temporary card at the central branch. With this card, you will be able to use all available benefits until you receive an EBT card. View address list
- Update. From December 31, 2021, utility companies (suppliers of electricity, fuel oil / gas for heating) can start sending notifications about the termination of the provision of utility services to subscribers in arrears, unless an emergency mode is introduced before that, and within 180 days thereafter for persons whose financial circumstances have changed due to an emergency.
If you received a notice to stop providing utility services, you may qualify for assistance. You can apply for emergency grant (also known as "one-time allowance") to pay utility bills using ACCESS HRA .
- Update. As of 22:00 January 11, 2022, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Application Portal is back open and accepting new applications. When applying for ERAP, tenants receive some protection while a decision on their application is in the process of being reviewed by the state. The application can be submitted online at web page http://www.otda.ny.gov/erap , by telephone, by calling 1-844-NY1-RENT (1-844-691-7368) , or by contacting one of the community organizations listed below. HRA does not require you to submit an ERAP application before making a decision on your rent assistance application. For more information about ERAP, call 1‑844‑NY1‑RENT (1‑844‑691‑7368) or go to ERAP FAQ .
- Apply for cash assistance or an emergency lump sum through ACCESS HRA . An HRA worker will call you back and conduct an interview to determine if you are eligible for benefits. New York City residents can use the ACCESS HRA portal or download the ACCESS HRA app to view case information, apply for special grants, and more.
- Update. If you are receiving cash assistance and have lost your job or your income has changed, you do not need to reapply. To apply for a case change online, use the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app. Then submit documents that prove the change in your income. Click here to find out which documents can be used and how to apply for cash assistance .
- Apply online for SNAP at gov/accesshra or through the ACCESS HRA mobile app. There may not be a need for an interview.
If more information is needed, an HRA staff member will contact you. Submit as many documents as possible using the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
- Update. If you are on SNAP and have lost your job or your income has changed, apply for a case change using ACCESS HRA . There is no need to submit a new application. You will be required to provide documentation of the changes you are reporting.
- Note: If you are due to reevaluate for SNAP benefits within the next 75 days, you will not be able to apply for a case change through ACCESS HRA . Follow the link below to find out how you can apply to HRA. Click here to find out which documents can be used and how to apply for SNAP 9 benefits0034 .
Services Information
Emergency Services
If you or your family need urgent help, please use the information below.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you are hungry and need food call the Emergency FoodLine at 1-866-888-8777.
If you need help with the transitional housing program, call 3-1-1 or and visit the nearest office.
If you are looking for shelter, call 3-1-1 or and visit the nearest branch.
If you need help with mental health or substance abuse , call 800-543-3638.
Help for victims of domestic violence call the dedicated hotline at 800-621-4673 or call the Family Justice Center .
Important Recertification Information
- Recertification. If you receive a notice to recertify your eligibility for cash assistance or SNAP by mail or through HRA's ACCESS Portal, you must submit documentation or your benefits will be terminated.
You can submit this form through ACCESS HRA, by fax or mail, or use the mailbox at open offices. Also, please make sure you provide the correct phone number to contact you. You can check and update it on ACCESS HRA website or ACCESS HRA mobile app . Find out how you can submit your recertification form and supporting documents.
- CA Semi-Annual Mail-in Report / SNAP Periodic Report. Beginning in April 2022, all SNAP cash assistance households must file a CA Semi-Annual Mail-In or Periodic SNAP Report to continue receiving benefits. Household cases that did not file a mail-in/periodic report in January, February, or March 2022 will not be closed on the basis that the mail-in/periodic report was not filed.
Right-to-Counsel Law (RTC) at risk of eviction: New York City Right to Attorney Law
Are you facing eviction through court action? Under New York City Attorney Law (RTC) , Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) DSS/HRA gives tenants who are at risk of being evicted by a housing court or administrative proceeding NYCHA, access to free legal representation and advice from non-profit legal services organizations in all five boroughs.
To learn more about your rights as a tenant, or to get answers to questions about your lease or what to do if you're past due, call 311 and contact the Tenant Helpline.
Health Care Information
The HRA Medical Assistance Program can help New Yorkers who qualify to enroll in public health insurance programs such as Medicaid. During the COVID-19 emergency, applications can be faxed to 917-639-0732. New York City residents can also call the HRA Medicaid Helpline at 1-888-69 for assistance with applying.2-6116. For more information, visit the HRA Medical Assistance Program webpage.
COVID-19 Simplified Procedures
New Applications
Clients can verify all aspects of their eligibility except immigration status and identity if the immigration document does not also verify identity. Copies of proof of immigration/identity documents are still required. Do not submit original documents.
If customers are unable to submit these documents due to the COVID-19 emergencythe application must still be submitted. Clients will be given the opportunity to submit these documents at a later date. Clients whose citizenship status is not verified through data sources will also have the opportunity to submit documents later.
Clients are not required to provide proof of their Medicare application; this requirement is waived during the COVID-19 emergency.
Program renewal
During the COVID-19 emergency, Medicaid cases expiring between March and December 2020 and January 2021 and August 2022 will automatically renew. All cases closed due to an inability to apply for renewal or submit documents during the COVID-19 pandemic will be reopened and coverage will be resumed to avoid interruption. Excess resource cases will be extended by 6 months. Excess income cases will be extended by 6 months. See below for information about coverage for excess income cases.
Renewal in the program covers all cases, including Office of Mail Renewal, Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC), Nursing Home Eligibility, Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD) (Members are eligible for a 6-month grace period extension if they lose their job ), Stenson/Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ineligible recipients, and Rosenberg/Cash ineligible recipients.
Excess Income
If you are unable to make a payment due to health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as quarantine or hospitalization, you may provide proof that you have funds or accounts to cover excess income , but you can't ship them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To do this, call the excess income hotline at 929-221-0835.
- First and last name.
- Client Identification Number (CIN).
- Phone number.
- Confirm that you have health problems related to COVID-19, such as quarantine or hospitalization.
- When submitting an invoice, please include the name of the service provider, the date the service was provided, and the amount of the invoice.
- When sending a payment, specify its amount. Please do not send credit card information via voice mail.
- You will only be called back if you need more information.
- If the requested information is provided, coverage will be extended by 6 months.
Burial Allowance
Due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, DSS/HRA has taken emergency action:
- Increased burial allowance from $900 to $1,700 and raised the ceiling for funeral expenses from $3,400 dollars;
- extension of the application deadline to 120 days from the date of death.
Applications for increased funeral benefits will only be considered if received on or after March 12, 2020. All applications received will be considered regardless of immigration status.
Expanded SNAP eligibility for college students during COVID-19 emergency
New SNAP eligibility rules in place during COVID-19 emergency to allow more college students receive benefits.
- If you are a student and eligible for a state or federal Work and School program, you can now also participate in SNAP even if you are not currently employed in the Work and School program.
- If your Expected Family Contribution (EFC*) is $0 and you meet other eligibility criteria for SNAP, you are eligible.
* Your EFC is reported on your Student Aid Report, and is calculated from the information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These new SNAP eligibility rules will be in effect until one month after the public health emergency due to COVID-19 is officially lifted. If you are able to receive benefits thanks to these new rules, they will continue to be paid until your next recertification, even if the public health emergency ends sooner.
Other important information
- Additional information about staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreakavailable at City COVID-19 Information Portal .
- Need help paying your household energy bill? Apply on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) website .
- Fair Fares branches are now open. You can also apply for Fair Fares NYC online .
- Food assistance is available at the nearest food distribution point. The location of such points can be viewed on special map .
- All branches of the Child Support Service are already open . All inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected] . Call the New York State Child Support Services hotline at 888-208-4485 or send a letter to NYC OCSS P.O. Box 830, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013.
Be sure to include your first and last name, case number, and contact information.
The Human Resources Administration (HRA) helps more than 3 million New Yorkers. HRA offers free translation services in over 200 languages at all service centers and over the phone, and provides documents in multiple languages. Many HRA services are available regardless of a person's immigration status, and parents who do not qualify for services can apply on behalf of their children.p>
- Print out the "I Speak" card to ask for the help of an interpreter.
- Immigrant Benefit Guide
Applying for benefits
Individuals and families who qualify for benefits can apply at our Job Centers.
- General application for temporary assistance, medical assistance, SNAP benefits, and services, including child care assistance.
Instructions for filling: - Reevaluation Form for Temporary Assistance, Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings, and Food Stamps.
Fill instructions: - Child Care Benefit Form
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income New Yorkers.
- Application for SNAP benefits. Notes:
- ACCESS HRA
Child Support Services
HRA's Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) serves parents and guardians regardless of income or immigration status.
A mother, father, or guardian of a child may go to the OCSS office at each family court to file a child support claim.
The Child Support Program also offers a number of helpful services for non-custodial parents.
For in-person assistance, visit the OCSS Office located at each Family Court or the OCSS Customer Service Center at 151 West Broadway, Lower Manhattan.
- Service Manual
- Child support options (Fly-991)
- Recovery activities
- Establishing paternity
- Cash and child support
- Guidance Parent Guide | parents who are not guardians
- Child support administration (debt reduction programs)
- Change of address
- Child Support Administration Contact Information
Health care
You can apply for Medicaid directly with HRA if you are age 65 or older, have a disability or visual impairment, and are in Medicare but are not a parent or guardian of minor children .
If you are in any of these categories, call the HRA information line 888-692-6116 or visit one of the medical assistance program offices. If you need help applying for or renewing Medicaid and paying the cost of Medicare, call 347-396-4705 to schedule a consultation with a specialist. For other health insurance related questions, contact the NY State of Health.
- Visit the Medicaid Office Locations page to find an office near you.
- Pregnant women, children, and adults under 65 must obtain health coverage from the NY State of Health, New York City's official health plan marketplace. You can contact the market at 855-355-5777.
- Get all the information you need to get a health plan for you and your family.
Home care services
Home care programs are Medicaid-funded long-term programs. They are designed to ensure that eligible elderly or disabled people stay safely at home and not in a residential facility for the elderly or disabled.
Medicaid managed long term care programs offer home care and other services, but you must qualify for Medicaid to use them.
HRA Special Services oversees the Home Care Services Program (HCSP). The HRA Home Care Program determines an individual's eligibility for Medicaid Long Term Care. For help, call the Help Desk at 718-557-1399, find out about the HRA Long Term Home Care Program website, or visit your local CASA Home Care Program office.
Helping people with HIV/AIDS
The mission of the HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) is to provide people with HIV/AIDS and their families with access to basic benefits and social services including case management. Some HASA services are available regardless of immigration status.
In June 2016, the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute (AI) of the New York State Department of Health amended eligibility for HIV care and treatment. In accordance with the expanded definition, the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) through the Office of Persons with HIV/AIDS since 29August 2016 offers additional assistance and services to all financially eligible New York City residents living with HIV
- Adult Application
- Application for children
- Supplement to application
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides assistance and services to adults with physical or mental disabilities who may be harmed.
Citizenship and immigration status do not matter for certain services.
- To refer a customer to APS, call the Claims Central at 718-557-1399 or complete an online case at your convenience, available at the following link: Completing an APS Case on the Website.
Homelessness Prevention
The Homelessness Prevention Administration works with the Department of Homeless Services, the NYC Housing Authority, and other organizations and City agencies to to prevent homelessness and help families and individuals in need maintain stable and affordable housing in their communities.
- Call the Help Desk at 718-557-1399 for more information about services.
Homebase
Homebase can help you develop a personalized plan to get through your housing crisis and possibly keep your home. You can use Homebase services if:
- there is a risk that you will end up in a New York City shelter;
- you have a low income;
- you want to keep housing in your area.
