Development Evaluation Programs

A developmental evaluation is a psychological assessment for children that looks at many areas of their functioning, like their ability to think, talk, behave, connect with others, move their bodies, and adapt to new situations. All children living in NYC can receive evaluations at no cost.
 
Please see below:

Early Intervention (EI)

The program provides free evaluation and case management assistance to families who are concerned about their child’s development. It is intended for younger children under 3. Ask your child’s doctor for a referral, and a social worker will contact you. Go to www.nyc.gov and type “early intervention” in the search bar to learn more.

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

The CPSE provides free evaluation services to families who are concerned about their child’s development (3-4 years old). Services, programs, and instruction tailored to each student’s unique requirements are all part of special education.
 
To seek an evaluation for your child, email a letter to your local CPSE. Find your district and CPSE by visiting the page Find a School Tool.
 
Draft your letter following the linked examples below. It is very important that you specify the evaluation services that you seek (e.g., psychological, psychoeducational, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, functional behavioral assessment, etc)
 
– nyc.gov/html/acs/education/pdf/cpse_sample.pdf
– includenyc.org/help-center/resources/sample-letter-referral-first-time-requests
 
To find more information about CPSEs, visit the site www.nyc.gov and type in the search bar “Preschool Special Education”.

Individualized Educational Plan

NYC schools provide free evaluation services to 6- to 17-year-old children experiencing behavioral or academic issues. Evaluation results will help you and the school make a program of services and support that fits your child’s needs.
 
Ask your school’s principal to evaluate your child with a letter to seek an evaluation. In this letter, it is very important that you specify the evaluation services that you seek (e.g., psychological, psychoeducational, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, functional behavioral assessment, etc).
 
Follow this template letter letter template to seek an evaluation and get what you need.
 

Quick links

• EI                                     nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/early-intervention.page
• CPSE                             schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education
• Find a School Tool    schoolsearch.schools.nyc
• IEP Letter Template   parentcenterhub.org/evaluation-2/

Updated on February 9, 2024.