Resource Library
Interagency Collaboration to Transform New York City Early Childhood Special Education Transitions
Description
In New York City, Early Intervention services are governed by the NYC Health Department, while preschool special education (also known as the Committee for Preschool Education, or CPSE) falls under the jurisdiction of the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). New York State overall has struggled to meet implementation requirements between these two systems. This project has the potential to provide valuable research and insights that can be used to improve outcomes for young children and their families.
The project, funded through the Spencer Vision Grant, is also a prerequisite for applying to the Spencer Foundation’s Transformative Research Grant, for large-scale research projects that transform an education system for equity.
This award provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with NYC early childhood policymakers, practitioners, and families across agencies; plan a transformative project that investigates systemic barriers; and determine a shared vision for system change with EI and preschool special education transitions.
Design
This project is a one year project. Building on a conceptual framework for improving transitions and outcomes for children, the research team will employ tools such as root cause analysis and process mapping to identify and address challenges across NYC agencies during the transition process.
Researchers
The project team includes 14 members representing city and community organizations, including:
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
New York City Public Schools
The New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (PDI)
The Staten Island Alliance for North Shore Children and Families
The NYC Early Childhood Research Network — Lindsey Bravo, Director of Research and Evaluation and Co-Principal Investigator
Fordham University – Dr. Annie George-Puskar, Co-Principal Investigator
Contributing Institutions
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
Bureau of Early Intervention
New York City Public Schools:
Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE)
Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning