NYC DOE Offers More Resources For Families Of Children With Special Needs

The New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) Division of Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners has created additional resources for families with questions about the citywide expansion of the special education reform initiative that will go into effect this coming September of 2012.

NYC DOE LogoChristine C. Quinn, New York City council speaker, has announced that the New York City Department of Education’s Division of Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners has created additional resources for families with questions about the citywide expansion of the special education reform initiative that will go into effect this coming September of 2012.

Under this initiative, every effort will be made to enroll students with special needs in their zoned community school.

The following services are being offered to help families get their questions answered in a timely manner.
 
Families who need assistance with their children’s placements or have any questions, can do any of the following:

1. Call a dedicated hotline for special education support: 718-935-2007.

2. Call 311 and ask for services for parents.

3. Attend family office hours in nine sites across the five boroughs with day, evening, and weekend hours. This initiative began July 31, 2012. During office hours, a special education specialist will be available to help resolve families’ questions about the special education reform initiative and work to reach solutions to support their child(ren). The complete schedule of dates, times and locations are available through the DOE’s family web site.