Last fall, the NYC Department of Education’s Special Education Office mailed a kindergarten ‘Welcome Packet’ to parents of children currently receiving preschool special education (CPSE) services who will be “turning five” during the 2019 calendar year.
The information in the packet makes clear that the DOE expects parents to engage with two processes: applying to kindergarten through the regular NYC application process and engaging in the Turning Five IEP process. In short, the DOE asks parents to apply to a local public school for a general education seat regardless of whether or not you feel that your child’s needs could ever be met in that program.
There are 3 ways to apply for a kindergarten seat at your community school before the January 14th deadline:
Online at MySchools
Over the phone by calling 718-935-2009
In person at a Family Welcome Center
According to the DOE, you should receive your “blue Notice of Referral” to begin the special education (Turning Five) process anytime between January and July of this year.