Special Education Family Resources

Supporting Students Age 21 and Older

If a student turned 21 or older during the 2020-2021 school year and has not yet completed the requirements for a diploma or exit credential, they may be eligible to return to school for the 2021-2022 school year. If you have not been contacted but think your student may be eligible to return to school, reach out to the principal at your student’s last attended school. Families of students with IEPs in charter schools and 853s should email NPSdocreview@schools.nyc.gov.

Students with IEPs who need to be connected with adult/postsecondary services or instruction but have otherwise completed school can access individualized services to meet their needs, depending on their post-school goals. This can include assistance with:

• Intakes at adult services agencies
• Intakes at vocational programs
• College applications and supporting documents
• Any other connections or referrals that need to be made in order to ensure that the student will be engaged in the appropriate adult programs and services

Most transition consultancy services can be provided through online platforms or telephone conferences. However, in-person transition support consultancy services can be provided upon request. For additional information or to request transition support consultancy services reach out to your borough Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) or the District 75 Transition Office at:

• Bronx TCAC: BxTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
• Brooklyn TCAC: BklynTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
• Manhattan TCAC: MnTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
• Queens TCAC: QnsTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
• Staten Island TCAC: SITCAC@schools.nyc.gov
• District 75: D75Transition@schools.nyc.gov

Beyond Access Series

The Beyond Access Series is a part of the New York City Department of Education's Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. The series supports families of students with disabilities by providing sessions on topics around special education.

Beyond Access Series page

• View our YouTube page with past sessions and resources

Sensory Exploration, Education & Discovery (SEED)

Sensory Exploration, Education & Discovery (SEED) is a unique enrichment-based sensory movement program offered Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays to support students who display intensive sensory needs that significantly impact their school functioning and participation. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist, students participating in the SEED program will have the opportunity to utilize specialized sensory equipment (e.g., swing, trampoline, therapy ball, climbing wall, scooter board, etc.) in an intentionally designed SEED space.

The goal of the SEED program is to provide children with sensory experiences that prepare the body and brain for learning through a sensory-based, social-emotional curriculum, including a variety of calming and/or alerting activities. The sensory strategies shared can be used throughout the day to improve self-regulation (the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotional responses, actions, and attention levels). Time is provided at the end of each session for family engagement to support the home-school connection and core belief of "families as partners".

SEED eligible students must be enrolled in a NYC DOE public school/preschool program (Pre-K - HS) and have a current IEP (Individualized Education Plan) recommending occupational therapy services. School community collaborates to identify students who would most benefit from SEED participation with a priority given to students exhibiting intensive sensory needs, students living in temporary housing, and students who had an extensive gap in service delivery. Students will be offered the chance to participate in SEED in one of two twelve-week cycles this school year. In situations where a student cannot participate in SEED due to limited capacity, students will be included in a SEED waiting list for participation in an upcoming cycle.

After School and Weekend Academy

Other Resources