Preschool Services
What are Preschool Services?
The Committee on Preschool Special Education Program (CPSE) at your local School District is responsible for children 3-5 years old who have or are suspected of having a disability and is funded by the NY State Education Department, NYC Department of Education, the Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Health. Evaluations and services are provided at no cost to families.
New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc. (NYTPS) provides special education and related services to preschool children with disabilities, as authorized under Section 4410 of Article 89 the New York State Education Law. All services are based upon the individual needs of the child, as determined by the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) of the local school district. The school district is responsible for determining the type, frequency, and location of services. Childcare services are not provided or covered as part of these programs. These special education services are provided at no direct cost to families; funding is provided through local and state sources. Transportation may be offered by the municipality, and parents may be eligible for reimbursement if transporting their own child.
What is Neurotypical Development?
Milestones by Age
3 Years:
- Copies adults and friends (like running when other children run)
- Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
- Climbs well
- Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
- Shows affection for friends without prompting
4 Years:
- Hops and stands on one foot for up to 2 seconds
- Would rather play with other children than alone
- Tells stories
- Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts
- Plays cooperatively
5 Years:
- Buttons some buttons
- Writes some letters in their name
- Names some letters when you point to them
- Counts to 10
- Sings, dances, or acts for you
- Tells a story heard or made up with at least 2 events
Preschool Services We Provide
Serving Nassau, Suffolk Counties, and the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Types of Services
- Speech Therapy (ST)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Counseling (Play Therapy, Parent Training, Social Skills Groups)
- Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT/SEIS) – a special education teacher works with a child in a setting recommended by the CPSE.
Service Settings
- NYT Kids Pediatric Therapy Centers
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- Home
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- Daycare
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- Preschool
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Does My Child Need Preschool Services?
Parent Resources
Information and Guides
Bilingual Resources
Our Referral Process
Step 1: Reach Out To District to Begin CPSE Referral
If a parent or guardian has developmental concerns, they can call their local school district and refer their child to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). New York Therapy is happy to explain and guide families through the process before they contact the district.
Step 2: Choose Agency & Schedule Evaluation
Once the district makes a referral, they will send the family a list of agencies so that you can schedule an evaluation for your child. New York Therapy Placement Services works with all school districts and would be happy to help administer all evaluations if the family chooses. The evaluation is provided at no cost to the family.
Step 3: Attend Eligibility Meeting with School District
After the evaluations are completed, the school district will schedule a meeting with the family to determine whether the child is eligible for preschool special education services.
Step 4: IEP Is Created If Child Qualifies Services
If the child is eligible for services, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) will create an educational plan called an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which states the special education services the child has the right to receive to meet their needs.
Meet Our Preschool Team!
Long Island Team
Elizabeth Atterole, MS, CCC-SLP/TSSLD-BE
Chief Clinical Officer
Meaghan Fidacaro, MS. Ed
Director of Preschool Evaluations
Lisa Schlossberg, MS. Ed
CPSE Eval Supervisor
Kristen Savino, LMSW
Preschool Evals Clinical Coordinator
Michelle Bellafiore, MS
Preschool Evaluations Assistant
Karla Hernandez
Preschool Evaluations Assistant
Andrea Stuto, SBL, SDL
Director of SEIT Services
Vicki Margulies, MS. Ed
Clinical SEIT Manager
Katie Giordano, M. Ed
SEIT Coordinator
Leila Ennis-Murgatroyd, MS. Ed
Clinical SEIT Coordinator
Michelle Weston-Bloom, MSED, BCBA, LBA
SEIT Supervisor
Jaclyn Aulet, MS. Ed
SEIT Clinical Support &
Data Entry Associate
George Lewis, MBA
Director of Preschool Services & Integrated Systems Operations
Linda Muzik
CPSE & CSE Speech Placement Coordinator
Andrea Levy
CPSE Services Specialist and Recruiting Assistant
Alondra Portillo
Preschool Services Coordinator
Brianna Connolly
CPSE OT/PT and CSE Special Ed Placement Coordinator
NYC Team
Elizabeth Atterole, MS, CCC-SLP/TSSLD-BE
Chief Clinical Officer
Meaghan Fidacaro, MS. Ed
Director of Preschool Evaluations (Brooklyn & Queens Referrals)
Melody Lohin, MA
Preschool Evaluations Manager (Manhattan Referrals)
Rosa Chong
Preschool Evals Coordinator (Bronx Referrals)
Melissa Benanti, MS. Ed
Preschool Evals Clinical Coordinator
Samantha Weisfeld, MS. Ed
Preschool Evals Clinical Coordinator
Cory Rossoff
Preschool Evals Administrative Assistant
Andrea Stuto, SBL, SDL
Director of SEIT Services
Jacqueline Genao
SEIT Placement Manager
Amy Tolley, MS. Ed
Clinical SEIT Manager
Tina Collins-Bruno
Clinical SEIT Coordinator
David Tellerman, MA CCC-SLP, TSHH, SDA
Chief Business Development &
Community Engagement Officer
Yanet Etienne
Related Services Manager
Stephanie Ruggiero
Facilities Coordinator
Testimonials
From Providers
I worked at the Farmingdale NYTPS office for 4 years and only left because my husband and I moved. I truly enjoyed the corporate culture and everything about coming to work each day. Everyone is genuinely happy and cares about their jobs and the work that they do for children. The owner has an open door policy and sets a great example for the office. She is an excellent leader and has true care for her employees. I felt that my job made a difference helping students and this feeling was unanimously shared throughout the office. I will be hard pressed to find another job or office environment that will top this experience.
Anonymous Former Employee
Great Place to work and enjoy life
Pros
The working atmosphere is perfect and a great place to learn and get hands-on training. I definitely recommend this place.
Anonymous Current Employee
Hands down the best company I have worked for.
Pros
Supportive administrative team, multiple opportunities for growth, flexible schedule ,
excellent work-life balance.
Anonymous Current Employee
I’ve had an incredible experience with New York Therapy, both as an employee and a parent. My son has received outstanding therapies through NYT, and as an employee, I am honored to work for a company so dedicated and passionate about serving children and families with special needs.
Anonymous Employee
It’s a great place to work. We have an outstanding team of dedicated employees & clinic staff. We’re making a difference one child at a time. One Company One Mission!
Gina Torre
From Parents
The dedication and above and beyond service of the employees to help many children of many communities is to be commended. Always attentive to both parents’ and childrens’ needs.
Andrea
Had our Early Intervention with NY Therapy and they were the kindest people! They truly care and take the time to explain everything. I can not thank them enough
Katherine
My son receives speech therapy at this facility, and he thoroughly enjoys it. The staff there are exceptionally courteous and professional.
Soner
My son started with NYTKids almost 8 years ago for speech, PT, OT. The therapists and staff were incredible and my son is now thriving in 6th grade; blowing away all his IEP goals. I owe everything to these people. My son blossomed socially and academically.
Elizabeth
I had an amazing experience with New York Therapy when they evaluated my son through early intervention. The staff and therapists were attentive, caring, and provided great resources and recommendations to help my child thrive. I wouldn’t ever consider using another agency!
Ariana
From evaluations to services, the agency has been phenomenal with my daughter and we are very lucky to have such great providers.
Colleen
New York Therapy truly cares about their families and strives to provide the best to them. Above and beyond…
Sandy
Everyone is professional and kind and considerate we see a big difference in our child see aways looks forward to coming
Thomas
