Turning 5 Preschoolers Transitioning to Kinder Guide

Students with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate education in the most inclusive setting possible.

Families of children who may need special education services in kindergarten will participate in both the kindergarten admissions and special education (Turning 5) processes.

When your child transitions from preschool to kindergarten, it can be a stressful time. Learn about the steps you can take to prepare for this process.

A student with an IEP will be placed in a non-public school if no appropriate public program exists.

Specialized programs, like ASD Nest, are offered in community schools or at select District 75 program sites.

Bilingual Special Education (BSE) is a specialized program for students who require a language of instruction other than English on their IEP.

Learn more about the IEP team and types of IEP meetings.

Explore options to resolve special education problems at school.

Learn more about the rights of students with disabilities within charter schools.

Each year, the NYC Department of Education sends out colored letters to help families understand what to expect as their children transition to Kindergarten. Here is a breakdown of what each letter means and when you can expect to receive it.

You are entitled to copies of your child’s educational records. Here is a sample letter you can use to make this request at your child’s school or local CPSE office.

You can request a meeting with your preschooler’s IEP team at any time to discuss making changes to the IEP. Here is a sample letter that you can send to request the CPSE meeting.