Preschool Special Educational Program (PEP)

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The Health Department has assumed a supportive role, in collaboration with school districts, to assist families of children with special needs to access services in community settings along with their non-disabled peers.

The Health Department works in partnership with the State Department of Education and its Regional Staff by offering guidance and clarification to the Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and service providers regarding preschool New York State Education Department Regulations.

Program Highlights
The Preschool Special Education Program (PEP) serves preschoolers aged three to five residing in Westchester County who have been found eligible to receive special education services through their school districts Committee on Preschool Special Education.

In addition to acting as a fiscal agent, the Health Department serves as a resource for parents, school districts and professionals to help them participate as full partners in the child's educational process.

The Municipality is also responsible for maintaining lists of available service providers approved by the County and by the State Department of Education for both related services and preschool special education programs.

Preschool Education Program Services
The Preschool Education Program is available to help parents of children found eligible to receive special education services and school districts access support services to address a child's special needs.

Special education services and programs may include specially designed instruction and/or services which may include

  • Speech therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Special Education
  • Special Class
  • Nursing Services
  • Counseling Services

SEIS Program
In addition, the County of Westchester runs a Special Education Itinerant Services Program (SEIS) which is a 4410 Approved preschool education program that provides special education itinerant teacher services in NY state certified teachers of special education. The program is monitored by the NY State Education Department Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) for compliance with federal and state rules and regulation to operate the program. 

Eligibility
Eligibility is determined in accordance with New York State Department of Education standards. Contact your local school district to arrange to have your child's needs assessed by an approved New York State Education Department evaluator. Evaluations are available at no cost to the family.

Program/Service Cost
A preschool child who has been found to have special needs will receive services at no cost to the family.

Contact
To request additional information regarding preschool services please call the Westchester County Department of Health, Bureau of Children with Special Needs at (914) 813-5080 or (914) 813-5090.

Other Resources