SPECIAL EDUCATION
Support for Special Education at PS 20
Every child has the right to a free public education that meets their individual needs — and to receive it alongside their peers in general education classrooms as much as possible. You'll hear this called FAPE — Free and Appropriate Public Education — in the Least Restrictive Environment, or LRE.
“Beyond Access” Family Workshop Series
Beyond Access is a free workshop series from NYC Public Schools' Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support, created for families of students with disabilities. Sessions run online in the evening and cover topics like understanding the IEP process, supporting focus and emotional regulation at home, assistive technology, and planning for transitions between grades and schools. Past sessions are archived on the Beyond Access YouTube channel if you can't attend live.
Individualized Education Plan
Students who have physical, developmental or behavioral needs that are not met solely through general education may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Depending on the IEP, a student may receive services they require while still a part of any of the classroom environments available at our school that are appropriate for them. Some examples of related services are: assistive technology, counseling, occupational, physical and/or speech/language therapy, hearing and/or vision education services, orientation/mobility services, school nurse services, sign language interpreters. Some students and classrooms also benefit from the assistance of a Paraprofessional, who can offer aid with a variety of health, developmental, or behavioral needs.
504 Accommodations
Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires public schools to offer accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. These accommodations help students with special health needs to participate in New York City Public Schools programs and activities on an equal basis with their peers who do not have disabilities. Your child may be eligible for health services and/or other types of 504 accommodations if:
They have a physical or mental impairment; and
The impairment substantially limits at least one major life activity.
Our Team
School Based Support Team
Our School Based Support Team (SBST) consists of a Psychologist, Social Worker, Guidance Counselor and Clerical Associate.
Service Providers
We currently have a Guidance Counselor, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapists on staff. We also have a part-time Physical Therapist and Special Education Teacher Support Service (SETSS) provider.
Who to Contact
You think your child may need an evaluation
→ the School PsychologistYou have questions about an existing IEP, or a meeting is coming up
→ the Special Education LiaisonYou're asking about a 504 for academic accommodations (testing, classroom supports)
→ the School PsychologistYou're asking about a 504 for health accommodations (medication, allergies, medical needs during the day)
→ the Guidance CounselorYour child receives speech, OT, PT, SETSS, or hearing services and you want to reach the provider directly
→ see Related Service ProvidersSomething is affecting your child socially or emotionally
→ the Social Worker or the Guidance CounselorYou need records, paperwork, or help getting a meeting scheduled
→ the SBST Clerical AssociateYou're not sure which of these it is
→ the Parent Coordinator will point you to the right person
