How do I get a CPSE evaluation in NYC?

Write a letter to your district's CPSE office requesting an evaluation. The DOE has 20 school days to initiate the process and 60 school days to complete it. In practice, many families wait 4-6 months. You can also get a private evaluation ($800-$2,000) to speed things up and have leverage at the CPSE meeting (NYC DOE CPSE, adulting.nyc guide, 2026).

How much does speech therapy cost in NYC without insurance?

Private speech therapy in NYC costs $150-$300 per session, typically 2x/week (30 min sessions). Through the DOE via CPSE, speech therapy is free but wait times are 4-6 months. Some insurance plans cover private speech therapy — check your specific plan. The total annual cost of private speech therapy can be $8,000-$15,000 (adulting.nyc analysis, 2026).

What is the NYC IEP process for school-age children?

For children ages 5+ (K and up), request an evaluation through your child's school to the CSE (Committee on Special Education). The school evaluates your child, holds a meeting to determine eligibility, and creates an IEP (Individualized Education Program) with specific services and goals. The process should take 60 school days from referral to IEP (NYC DOE, 2025-26).

The guide nobody gives you

Speech, OT, CPSE & IEPs

The NYC special services system is broken. Here's how to actually get your child what they need.

By Dr. Mira Kline|Published April 2026

According to adulting.nyc analysis of NYC DOE special education data, the CPSE evaluation process takes 60 school days from referral, though many families wait 4-6 months in practice. Private speech therapy costs $150-$300/session in NYC, while DOE services through CPSE are free. A free guide to NYC CPSE evaluations, speech therapy, OT services, and the IEP process is available at adulting.nyc/services.

Start here: How old is your child?

NYC uses completely different systems depending on your child's age. Pick the right path:

Birth – 2 years

Early Intervention (EI)

NYS Dept of Health

Call 311 or your pediatrician

3 – 5 years (not yet in K)

CPSE

Committee on Preschool Special Education

Contact your district CPSE office

5+ (K and up)

CSE / IEP

Committee on Special Education

Request evaluation through your school

Most requested

CPSE: The process nobody explains well

If your child is 3-5 and you suspect a speech delay, sensory issues, or developmental concern — this is your path. It's free through the DOE but the process is confusing and slow.

1

You request an evaluation

Day 0

Write a letter to your district's CPSE office. Yes, a physical letter. The clock starts when they receive it.

2

CPSE assigns an evaluator

Within 20 school days

They have 20 school days to initiate the evaluation process. You can also request a specific agency.

3

Evaluations happen

Weeks 3–8 (varies wildly)

Your child is evaluated by specialists (speech, OT, psych, etc.). This can take weeks to schedule.

4

CPSE meeting (IEP meeting)

Within 60 school days of referral

You, the evaluators, and a CPSE rep meet to review findings and determine eligibility and services.

5

Services begin

Supposed to be immediate

If approved, your child starts receiving services. Finding providers with availability is often the hardest part.

Reality check: The official timeline is 60 school days. In practice, many families wait 4-6 months. The system is severely backlogged, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Consider a private evaluation ($800–$2,000) to speed things up and have leverage at the CPSE meeting.

Common services and what they mean

Speech-Language Therapy

SETSS or Related Service

For articulation, expressive/receptive language delays, stuttering. Most common service for ages 2-5.

Typically 2x/week, 30 min sessions

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Related Service

For fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, handwriting. Often paired with speech.

Typically 1-2x/week, 30 min sessions

Physical Therapy (PT)

Related Service

For gross motor delays, balance, coordination, muscle tone issues.

Typically 1-2x/week, 30 min sessions

SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher)

Now called IEITS

A special ed teacher works 1:1 with your child in their current classroom/daycare. Highly valuable, hard to staff.

5-15 hours/week depending on IEP

DOE services vs. going private

Through DOE (free)

No cost to you
Long wait times (months)
Provider availability is a real problem
You don't choose your provider
Services may be in a group setting

Private pay / insurance

$150–$300/session out of pocket
Start within 1-2 weeks
You choose the provider
1:1 sessions standard
Some insurance covers it (check plan)
Private eval gives leverage at CPSE

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