The Preschool Special Education Program is a partnership between the Cayuga County Department of Health and local school districts which provide services for children ages 3-5 who exhibit delays in development that affect current "academic" success.
 

Through this program, a child may attend a special education pre-school program or may receive a therapy, such as speech therapy, in their home.  Services received depend upon the level of your child's needs, as determined by an evaluation provided via Section 4410 of the State Education Law.
 

Port-of-entry for this program is a child's local school district - the committee for Pre-School Special Education Chairperson.  He/She will arrange for an evaluation, based on the concerns you have.  An Individual Education Plan or IEP is then developed, providing your child meets eligibility requirements.  You may refer to the State Education Law for eligibility criteria.
 

Cayuga County ensures that there are enough service providers to meet the needs of children with an IEP as well as pays those providers for services rendered.  Cayuga County also will provide transportation, through a contracted provider, to and from special education programs for those children whose needs cannot be met by attending a community pre-school setting.

For more information on the Preschool Special Education Program, please contact us at (315) 253-1560 or email to cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.

Visit Healthy Links to view a list of websites related to the Preschool Special Education Program.