An IEP, Individualized Education Program, helps children who qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEPs generally focus on public school students. An IESP – Individualized Education Services Program – is New York’s system for helping students whose parents homeschool them or place them in private or religious schools get special education services guaranteed by the IDEA.
This article explains what an IESP is and how it can help students. It also answers common questions parents may have about IESP services, such as who pays when a child attends a private therapeutic school in NYC.
What Is an IESP in NYC?
An IESP, or Individualized Education Services Program, is a New York program for qualifying students whose parents choose to either homeschool them or place them in private or religious schools at their own expense.
Children who attend private school or homeschools may still require special education services. New York law says that these students cannot be denied special education services just because they don’t attend public school. So, the law requires that these students receive the same range of services provided in public schools. New York calls these “equitable services.” The IESP is the tool New York uses to provide these services.
Who Qualifies for an IESP in NYC?
New York IESPs are for children who:
- Reside in New York State
- Attend a homeschool or a private or religious school at their parent’s expense
- Meet the eligibility requirements for special education services
Additionally, New York’s IESP rules state that IESPs do not apply to students placed in private schools by a public agency.
What’s the Difference Between an IESP and an IEP?
IEPs and IESPs are similar because both are rooted in the requirements of the IDEA. However, they differ in several ways.
Similarities
Like an IEP, an IESP must be individualized based on the student’s needs. Under New York law, the IESP process must follow the same requirements as the IEP process. Finally, like an IEP, an IESP must include goals and ways to measure progress toward them.
Differences
Here are some key differences between IEPs and IESPs.
- Authority. The IEP process in NYC is controlled by the IEP or special education team at the child’s school. For IESP students, the process is governed by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in the district where their child’s homeschool or private school is located.
- Tuition responsibility. Sometimes, a child’s IEP team decides that their public school assignment is inadequate. If the team places the child in a private school setting, the parents generally do not have to pay. However, in an IESP, parents choose the school. Because this was the parent’s choice, the parents will continue to be responsible for paying their child’s tuition. However, IESP parents should know that they generally do not have to pay for special education services that their child receives.
- Expiration and renewal. Technically, an IEP lasts for 12 months. However, if the annual review meeting is delayed, the IEP doesn’t automatically expire. Instead, the school follows the last version of the IEP until the meeting happens.
On the other hand, parents of children who receive IESPs must renew their request for IESP services every year by June 1. This is called the Parental Notice of Intent (PNI). The PNI must be in writing and be received by the CSE by June 1.
The June 1 deadline is crucial. If a parent misses the June 1 deadline and no exception applies, the district does not have to provide IESP services.
What Services Can an IESP Include?
IESPs generally offer Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), related services, and transportation.
Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS).
SETSS are individualized teaching services provided by a special education teacher. The specific SETSS that a child receives depends on their individual needs.
Related services. Related services are “developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a student with a disability.” Common related services include:
- Speech-language services
- Psychological services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Counseling services
Transportation. SETSS and related services can be provided at many locations, including the child’s private school, a nearby public school, or a service provider’s office. New York law says that if services aren’t provided at the private school, public districts must provide transportation for nonpublic school students if necessary.
How Do Parents Get an IESP for a Private School Student?
The IESP process is similar to the IEP process. Both begin with a referral for services. However, an IESP parent will send this request to the CSE rather than their child’s school.
After the referral, the parent will be asked to consent to the process. Then, the team moves to assessment. The child will undergo evaluation and testing, and the team will collect information about the child.
The CSE team will meet to determine whether the child is eligible for special education services. If they are, an IESP will be created.
Frequently Asked Questions About IESPs in New York
- Can parents choose their child’s IESP service provider?
Generally, no. The NYCPS website specifically says that “submitting a timely PNI does not create a right to select your child’s provider.”
- Can IESP services be provided during the summer?
IESP services are generally limited to the school year. However, parents may ask the CSE to consider summer services.
- Does a child with an IESP need a new evaluation every year?
No. Reevaluation is required once every three years. However, the IESP must be reviewed annually, and parents must request services each year.
- What happens to an IESP if a child transfers back to public school?
IESPs only apply to children in private, religious, or homeschool settings. So, if the child returns to public school, the parents should begin the IEP process.
How Can Academics West Help New York City Students with IESPs?
No matter where they attend school, every child deserves to achieve their true potential. Academics West can help students with IESPs take their own Hero’s Journey to success. Our school:
- Creates an environment that is physically welcoming to all students
- Emphasizes social-emotional learning
- Integrates counseling into the school day
- Has small class sizes to maximize teacher support
These characteristics make Academics West a great choice for children who receive IESP services. To learn more about our school, you can:
- Take our virtual tour,
- Book a call with an admissions coordinator, or
- Schedule an in-person visit to our Upper West Side campus by calling 212-580-0080 or using our online scheduling tool.