As we enter spring and you may have more children in your programs with an IEP, we’ll do a deeper review of one of the key pages of the IEP, the program recommendation page, to help you understand the programs and services children in your program should be receiving.  

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What is the program recommendation page? 

The DOE develops a Individualized Education Program (IEP) for every child found eligible for preschool special education services. The IEP is a legal document that describes a child’s strengths and needs, states the type of special education services that a child has the right to receive, and sets out goals for the progress that the child will make with those services. The program recommendation page near the end of the document details the special education program, related services, supplemental aids and accommodations, assistive technology, and other supports that will be provided to a student.

Special Education Program

Children can receive preschool special education services in a variety of settings, including in general education programs like yours. Students who need more intensive support may be recommended for a special class in an integrated setting or a special class. These are the most common preschool special education program recommendations: 

• Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) services. A SEIT is a certified special education teacher who comes to work with a child on academic, emotional, and social skills either one-on-one or in a group. SEIT services may be provided in your program. 
• A special class in an integrated setting (SCIS) is a preschool class that includes preschool students who have IEPs and preschool students who do not have IEPs. This classroom must include at least one special education teacher and one paraprofessional, and may have additional staff members. 
• A preschool special class in which all the students are preschoolers who have IEPs. These classes are often smaller than a typical preschool classroom and have a lower student to teacher ratio. If a child’s IEP recommends a special class, it must state the student to teacher ratio. For example, a 12:1:2 ratio means the class has no more than 12 students, at least one special education teacher, and at least two paraprofessionals. 

Related Services

Related services include speech therapy, physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), counseling, vision and hearing education services, orientation and mobility services, school health services, and parent counseling and training. These services are provided by licensed professionals who work with a child either one-on-one or in a small group. 

Supplemental Aids and Services

These services may include additional professionals to support a child or staff, such as:  

• Paraprofessionals, who are similar to teacher’s aides, that can work one-on-one or in a small group with a child to meet individual management needs, such as behavior management or health needs. 
• Nursing services, including a one-on-one nurse for children with health needs that need monitoring and treatment throughout the day.  

Assistive Technology Devices and/or Services 

Equipment and services that help a child move or communicate. Examples include a communication device, FM unit, or computer access. Assistive technology services are also available to help a child, the child’s teachers, and parents learn to use the device.  

Supports for School Personnel on Behalf of the Student

These services are recommended when specific training or information could assist professional service providers, paraprofessionals, or other school staff to work more effectively with the student. Examples of supports that may be recommended for school personnel include:

• information on a specific disability and implications for instruction;
• training in use of specific positive behavioral interventions;
• assistance with curriculum modifications;
• training in assistive technology devices recommended for the student;
• behavioral consultation with school psychologist, school social worker or other behavioral consultant. 

Service Delivery Recommendation

This section specifies the class size of a SCIS and special class program recommendation, the language of services, if services will be provided individually (1:1) or in group (e.g., 3:1), if the services will be provided directly to the student or indirectly as consultation with program staff to support the student, and other notes on how services should be delivered. 

Frequency

How many days a week the program or service will be provided.  

Duration

How long each session of the service will last. For children whose IEPs recommend a special class or a SCIS class, they recommendation can be for a full-day or half-day program.  

The frequency and duration of related services is commonly indicated as frequency x duration, so a student who is recommended for speech therapy twice a week for 30-minute sessions will have a speech therapy recommendation of 2x30.

Location

Services should be provided in the least restrictive environment. That means that preschool students in your programs should receive their special education services in your program. If the DOE does not identify providers to work with children in your program, or services in your program would not be appropriate for a child, the IEP may specify that services should be provided in the home or at an agency.  

If you are working with a child whose IEP recommends a SCIS or special class program but the DOE has not offered the parent a placement, contact us for additional support.

Call us with questions! You can reach out to Advocates for Children of New York's free Educational Helpline at (866) 427-6033, Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm. You can also send us a message online. Feel free to share this contact information with families! 

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📄 AFC's Preschool Special Education Guide >>

📄 AFC's Related Services Factsheet >>

📄 DOE's Family Guide to Preschool Special Education Services >>

📄 DOE's Best Practices Guide for Kindergarten IEP Meetings >>

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