The numbers speak for themselves: 180,000 special education students; $1.3 billion special education dollars paid to private schools; annually over 20,000 special education lawsuits. On average 15% of the student population require special education services.

The numbers are large, the need is great; the children are at risk and the political environment for private schools and yeshivas can be, at times, contentious, exerting a high level of scrutiny and demanding increased professionalism

This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge they need to effectively navigate this complex, bureaucratic and difficult system. It will begin with the enabling legislation of 1975 and move quickly to the law’s designation of public (the NYC DOE), private (the school), and parental responsibilities. After laying the legal framework, we will detail the process from the initial request for an IEP or IESP through its annual cycle of CSE meetings, school placements, service recommendations, and finally payment.

The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to guide their schools and parents through the special education process. As the workshop is both conceptual and practical it is suitable for administrators as well as support staff.