As a parent of a child with disabilities entering kindergarten in New York City, navigating the special education process can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Kindergarten IEP Process (KIP) is designed to ensure that your child receives the support and services they need to thrive. Here's a simple guide to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Understanding the Kindergarten IEP Process (KIP)
The Kindergarten IEP Process (KIP) is how special education services and supports are determined for children entering kindergarten. Every elementary school is expected to welcome and serve students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Here's what you need to know:
- Kindergarten Admissions Process: Families of students with disabilities entering kindergarten in the fall are encouraged to participate in kindergarten admissions in addition to the KIP.
- Referral: The KIP starts with a referral. This process will depend on whether your child already has a preschool IEP.
Starting the IEP Process
Once a referral is received, you'll be contacted by your child's kindergarten IEP team to start the process. They will introduce themselves, explain the IEP process, and share a document called the Prior Written Notice (PWN) Notice of Recommendation. This document explains that NYCPS is proposing to conduct a reevaluation to determine if your child continues to be eligible for special education services.
Assessments
Before the IEP meeting, NYCPS may conduct assessments of your child, which could include classroom observations and reviews of your child's file. If new assessments are needed, you'll receive a letter and be asked for your consent. You'll receive copies of the reports before the IEP meeting.
Medical Forms
If your child may need health services or specialized transportation, provide completed medical forms to your KIP Representative as early as possible. This ensures the IEP team can review them before the meeting. Updated medical forms may also be needed before school starts in September.
The Kindergarten IEP Meeting
You'll receive a letter with the date, time, and location of your child's IEP meeting at least five days before it takes place. The IEP team will determine your child's eligibility for special education in kindergarten and develop an IEP if needed. You, the parent or guardian, are a crucial member of the IEP team.
Who Should Attend the IEP Meeting?
Participants may include:
- Your child's teacher(s) and/or related service provider(s)
- A school psychologist
- Others with knowledge about your child or who have special expertise
Help and Support
If you want a 'parent member' or a doctor to attend the meeting, let your KIP Representative know at least 72 hours in advance. If you need an interpreter, NYCPS will provide one.
Eligibility and Declassification
To be eligible for school-age special education, your child must meet the criteria for one of 13 disability classifications. If your child is not eligible, they will be "declassified" and may receive declassification support services for their first year without special education.
Kindergarten IEP or IESP
If your child is eligible for school-age special education, the IEP team will create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If your child will attend a private or religious school, an Individualized Education Services Plan (IESP) will be developed instead.
School Location and Special Situations
Starting in May, you may receive a green notice in the mail listing your child's recommended special education services and the school that will provide them. Most children with IEPs receive services in their zoned school, but there are special situations for specialized programs and schools.
Family Meeting
If the school listed in the green letter did not take part in your child's IEP meeting, you may be invited to a family meeting to visit the school, review the IEP, and share information about your child.
Parents' Rights and Getting Help
As a parent, you have several rights. Visit the Your Rights page for more information. A KIP Representative will assist you throughout the process. If you have unresolved issues, contact 311 or email KindergartenIEPProcess@schools.nyc.gov.
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