FAQ
By now, you have already taken the FIRST STEP in recognizing that there may be a delay in your child's development. This evaluation process can be overwhelming and confusing. We, at FIRST STEP, are committed to helping you through it all. There are many common questions that we thought we would answer for you. Please take the time to read the questions and answers and feel free to contact us to review them or to ask further questions.
Q. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?
A. A child with a 33% delay in one area of functioning, OR a 25% delay in two or more areas of functioning.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE EVALUATION PROCESS?
A. The evaluation process includes 3 parts.
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1. The Social History A social worker or other licensed professional will: - review the packet sent to you from the Department of Education 2. The Evaluations In accordance with the NYC Department of Education regulations, all children must receive the follow evaluations - Psychological Evaluation If you do not have a medical doctor who can complete the medical form, we will refer you to a pediatrician affiliated with our agency who will perform a medical examination and complete the medical form at no cost to you. Additional evaluations that can be conducted based on your child's need - Speech and Language Evaluation All results will be reviewed with you and then a copy will be sent to you and to the Department of Education 3. IEP Meeting (Individual Education Plan) Once all the evaluations are completed a meeting at the Department of Education will be convened at which time a recommendation for services will be made. The attendees at the meeting include: district administrator, parent(s) or guardian, FIRST STEP representative, or any therapist, teacher or school representative you would like to invite. We will review the process of the meeting with you.. |
Q. WHERE ARE THE EVALUATIONS CONDUCTED?
A. If your child attends a school, according to the Department of Education, at least one evaluation must be done there. Evaluations may also be conducted at home, at a day care or at our evaluation site.
Q. WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
A. Special Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Play Therapy, Vision Therapy, and Health Para.
Q. WHERE DO THE SERVICES TAKE PLACE?
A. Most preschool children with disabilities can receive special services in their regular school environment. Services can also be provided in the home.
Q. WHAT IS THE COST?
A. Services are funded by the municipalities and the state and therefore there is no cost to the parent.
Q. WHEN WILL THE SERVICES BEGIN?
A. The evaluation packet, including the medical, must be submitted within 20 school days after teh C1P is signe. The Department of Education has 30 school days after the c1P was signed to schedule the initial review meeting. The date and time of the IEP meeting is determined by the Department of Education. If/when services are approved at the meeting, services can begin as soon as a provider is identified. If there are providers in your child's school, parents are encouraged to bring this information to the meeting.
Q. WHAT IS MY ROLE IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS?
A. As the parent, you are responsible for…
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1. Medical Form – This needs to be submitted to the Department of Education with all of the other evaluations. We ask you to cooperate and submit your medical to our office as soon as possible so that your packet can be submitted within the 20 days mentioned above. A PACKET IS NOT CONSIDERED COMPLETE WITHOUT THE MEDICAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL CLOSE THE CASE. If you do not have a medical doctor who can complete the medical form, we will refer you to a pediatrician affiliated with our agency who will perform a medical examination and complete the medical form at no cost to you. |
Developmental milestones
By 3 Years of age does your child:
- Feed himself ?
- Hold a glass in one hand ?
- Hold a crayon ?
Contact & newsletter
If you have any question please do not hesitate to contact us at 718.431.0115
