Some preschool children qualify for Individualized Education Program (IEP) services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). New York City’s kindergarten IEP Process decides whether these services will continue into kindergarten.
This article helps parents understand NYC’s kindergarten IEP process, including eligibility rules and service delivery. It also explains how a therapeutic school in NYC can help your kindergartener.
Why Is There a Separate Kindergarten IEP Process in NYC?
The preschool and kindergarten IEP processes serve different purposes and children with different needs.
During the preschool IEP process, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) likely decided that your child needed special education services. But as a child moves from preschool to kindergarten, the expectations change. Some of these changes include:
- A longer instructional day
- More structure
- More group work and peer interaction
- More transitions between activities and classrooms
- More academic demands
Additionally, children undergo many developmental changes between the ages of four and five. As such, your child may no longer need services in certain areas or may need new services in areas that weren’t considered in preschool.
Finally, because of changes in children and differing expectations, the eligibility rules for kindergarten IEPs differ from those for preschool.
Who Is Eligible to Participate in the Kindergarten IEP Process in NYC?
Generally, the KIP is for children entering kindergarten in NYC who may need special education services. More specifically, children can participate in the KIP if:
- They already have a preschool IEP.
- They do not have a preschool IEP but have been referred to the kindergarten IEP Process by a parent, preschool teacher, or other person.
The KIP focuses on students who are ‘turning 5.’” In NYC, “Turning 5” means a preschool student will turn 5 by December 31 of the following school year. For example, a child born in 2022 would be “Turning 5” from August 31, 2026, until August 31, 2027.
Note that being eligible to participate in the KIP only means that your child is eligible to apply for services. It does not mean that your child will qualify for services.
Is KIP the Same as Kindergarten Admissions?
No. These are two separate processes.
The NYCPS kindergarten admissions process secures a school assignment for each future kindergartener. Every parent in NYC must participate in this process to ensure their five-year-old gets a seat in a public kindergarten classroom.
On the other hand, not all parents will participate in the KIP. The KIP is for students who need or might need special education services.
If your child is turning 5 this year and has a preschool IEP (or you suspect they may need one), it’s best to complete both the kindergarten admissions application and the KIP.
How Does NYC’s Kindergarten IEP Process Work?
New York’s Kindergarten IEP Process begins with a referral, includes an evaluation, and involves placement.
- Referral. The process begins with a referral. If your child already has a preschool IEP, the CPSE will refer them to the KIP. If your child does not have a preschool IEP, the referral can be made by a parent or another adult authorized by law.
- Notice and Consent. When the referral is received, a member of the IEP team will contact you to get your consent for the evaluation. They will also give you a notice that outlines the purposes of your child’s evaluation or reevaluation.
- Evaluation. During the evaluation process, your child will take a series of assessments to evaluate their academic, emotional, and other skills. If your child was already evaluated during the preschool IEP process, they may be asked to complete additional assessments.
- Eligibility determination. After the evaluations are completed, your child’s IEP team will meet. During the meeting, the team will discuss the assessments and decide whether your child fits into one of the IDEA’s categories of qualifying disabilities. If the team agrees that your child qualifies for services, you will also discuss the modifications to instruction that should be made.
How is the KIP different from the Preschool IEP Process?
The KIP and Preschool IEP processes are similar, but they differ in age eligibility, qualifying categories, and service location.
- Age Eligibility. Preschool IEP eligibility ends at age five. Kindergarten eligibility begins with those turning 5.
- Category Eligibility. Children can receive a preschool IEP for developmental delays. Because this category expires at age 5, it cannot serve as the basis for a kindergarten IEP.
- Location of Service Delivery. Preschool IEP services can be provided at schools, preschools, daycares, and special education service programs. Kindergarten IEP services must be provided in a school setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about NYC’s Kindergarten IEP Process
- Can my child’s emotional or behavioral needs be included in a kindergarten IEP?
Yes, if the IEP team deems it necessary. If so, supports such as counseling, behavioral interventions, and classroom accommodations may be included.
- Can I start the kindergarten IEP process if my child doesn’t have a diagnosis yet?
Yes. A medical diagnosis can help, but it is not mandatory. A diagnosis may come about during the evaluation process. Even if it doesn’t, you and the rest of the IEP team will consider evaluations, parent and teacher reports, and other information to evaluate whether your child qualifies.
- Can I get my own evaluation before the kindergarten IEP meeting?
Yes. However, you will have to pay for the evaluation. Also, be sure to get it done well ahead of the IEP meeting so the results will be available before that date.
- Can I get an interpreter for the kindergarten IEP meeting?
Yes. NYCPS will provide an interpreter for the IEP meeting upon request.
When Should Parents Consider a Therapeutic School for Kindergarten-Age Needs?
Getting an IEP is only the first step. Even when parents are happy with what the IEP says, many are dissatisfied with its implementation. This is especially true at traditional schools, where large class sizes and rigid structures make it more difficult for teachers to adapt to IEPs.
Therapeutic schools take a different approach. They have smaller classes. The school day is designed with flexibility in mind. These changes make it easier for teachers to give each child a unique curriculum.
If your family is looking for a therapeutic school in NYC, consider Academics West. Our school offers individualized academic and emotional support in classrooms designed to maximize comfort and reduce overstimulation. Learn more about our school by requesting more information, booking a call with an admissions coordinator, or scheduling an in-person visit.