Understanding how the education system works is an important part of any parent’s responsibility. As a parent of a child with a disability, it becomes increasingly crucial to not only understand how the education system works, but how special education programs function as well. Similar to public education, the process and services for special education programs can vary based on both the state and district that the child is located. In New York, the local educational agency is required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with a qualifying disability. The IEP provides the educational plan that is meant to be individualized to meet the child’s specific needs.
General Education with Related Services
When a child’s IEP calls for general education with related services, it means that the child will remain in the general education classroom and the student will receive some type of additional services, either inside the classroom or at another location. Examples of related services can include counseling or physical therapy.
General Education With Special Education Teaching Services
A child’s IEP may also include general education with special education teacher support services. This refers to a plan where a child remains in a general education classroom while receiving direct or indirect special education teacher support services (SETSS).
Direct SETSS refers to specialized lessons that are taught in the general education classroom or another location within the school. Indirect SETSS, on the other hand, refers to adjustments within a general education classroom and can include adjusting the learning environment or modifying the instruction to meet the child’s needs.
Integrated Co-Teaching Services
A child with integrated co-teaching services on his IEP receives lessons from two teachers, a general education teacher and a special education teacher, who work to modify the lessons as needed to fit the needs of the child. Students in integrated co-teaching services learn within a classroom of general education students and other students with an IEP, either part-time or full-time.
Special Class Services
A child enrolled in special class services are placed in special education courses, either part-time or full-time. Special class services are comprised of students with an IEP only and are taught by a special education teacher. Special class services in New York can hold up to 15 students at one time.
District 75 Specialized Programs
For students who require highly specialized instruction in order to help them thrive, the District 75 Specialized Programs are available. They provide instructional support in locations are New York City for those who have more significant disabilities and require specialized lessons.
Other special education programs in New York include day and residential placement, home and hospital instruction, and other supplementary services.
To learn more about special education in New York, visit Spencer Walsh Law online at SpencerWalshLaw.com.
