EXPLAINER — SCHOOLS, CHILDREN & ACCESS

Before the First IEP Meeting: A Rockland family’s map to early support.

For a child who needs support, the first useful step is not always a diagnosis. It is knowing which door to knock on—and when.

Before age three, Rockland families can start with the County’s Child Find and Early Intervention programs. Child Find can connect families to screening, developmental monitoring, and, when appropriate, Early Intervention. A parent, pediatrician, hospital, or other designated person can refer; the County lists Child Find and Early Intervention at 845-364-2032. Rockland County’s program guide ↗

Early Intervention serves eligible children through age two. The County says it is voluntary and provided at no cost to families, although insurance information is requested. After referral, families are connected with an initial service coordinator and select from approved evaluators. Evaluation considers a child’s development across communication, motor skills, cognition, social-emotional development, and adaptive skills.

For children ages three through five, the school-based route is the Committee on Preschool Special Education, or CPSE. A written referral goes to the chairperson in the child’s local school district. New York rules require the chairperson to notify the parent and request consent for evaluation; the initial evaluation and CPSE recommendation generally move on a 60-day timetable after consent. Read the State rules ↗

For school-age children, families can make a written referral to the district’s Committee on Special Education, or CSE. New York regulations give districts 10 school days to seek consent for evaluation or provide the parent the request and an opportunity to discuss it. Read the referral procedure ↗

This is a starting map, not a district performance audit. It cannot tell a family how quickly a particular district will respond, whether a service is available, or what any child will qualify for. Those answers require direct, individual follow-up.

Sources: Rockland County Department of Health; New York State Education Department; Rockland BOCES 2026–27 Services Guide ↗