Specialized Programs & Services
See a wide range of specialized programs and services related to special education in New York City public schools.
SEED is a unique enrichment-based sensory movement program offered 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, the SEED program provides 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.
This page provides information about NEST and Horizon, two different special education programs that serve some students with autism in District 1-32 schools.
The eligibility criteria for the two programs, as well as the admissions process, are explained.
AIMS is an early childhood program offered in grades K-2 in certain districts. It provides a small class setting for six autistic learners with intensive support needs in learner readiness, language, communication, activities of daily living, and behavior. AIMS uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to understand and improve behaviors and support engagement, and Verbal Behavior to teach communication and language. See the to apply.
ACES is designed to provide an appropriately rigorous education for students with intellectual or multiple disabilities who participate in alternate assessments. ACES programs are offered in grades K-12 in District 1-32 schools. See the to apply.
Bilingual Special Education (BSE) is a specialized program for students with IEPs who are recommended to receive instruction in integrated co-teaching or special classes with a language of instruction other than English. BSE programs are not available in every school and sometimes require students to transfer schools. Models include Dual Language and Transitional Bilingual Education. If a class is not available for the student, a bilingual Alternate Placement Paraprofessional is assigned to support the student in a monolingual English class until a BSE seat becomes available.
The Intensive Reading Education and Development (I READ) Program is a reduced class-size, Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) class designed to support students who are showing early signs of reading struggles and may be at risk for dyslexia and other print-based reading disabilities. See the to apply.
South Bronx Literacy Academy (SBLA) and Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy (CBLA) are the first district public schools in the country specifically designed for students with dyslexia, language-based learning disabilities, and other struggling readers. Founded by , and staffed by well-trained and dedicated teachers, provide instruction based on structured literacy, an approach based on decades of research.
District 75 Inclusion (District 75 special education teacher support services)
District 75 also provides special education teacher support services (SETTS) in District 1 through 32 schools to students with significant disabilities as part of its Special Education Inclusive Services program. Students are typically programmed into general education classrooms in pairs (elementary and middle schools) and triads (high school) to allow for programmatic paraprofessional support throughout the school day. District 1-32 schools with District 75 SETSS programs are expected to include District 75 SETSS students in all school classes, programs, and activities (including after-school events and other school-sponsored activities).