Parents of kids with special needs—an extremely broad label that may encompass behavioral or developmental issues (such as ADHD), learning problems (like dyslexia), speech or language impairments, or other mental or physical disabilities—should investigate schools just as everyone else does. Look far and wide, take all the tours, and be open to every possibility, both private and public (one is not always better than the other). Talk with your pediatrician, your pre-school director, and especially the parents and staff at the schools you’re considering as you take into account your child’s ability and personality. To get you started, here are a few places that can lend advice, guidance or simply a sympathetic ear:

Advocates for Children of New York
Advocatesforchildren.org
(212) 947-9779
This citywide agency offers free help in obtaining special ed services and can step in to counsel families who may be having trouble navigating the system. Workshops are also available outlining parental and students’ rights and explaining the inner workings of the Board of Education. Check out the handy, downloadable parent guidebooks on such topics as impartial hearings, early intervention, and preschools for kids with disabilities.

Resources for Children with Special Needs
Resourcesnyc.org
(212) 677-4650
RSCN can assist with locating school programs, tutoring, summer camps, after-school services, therapy, evaluation, and legal help. They’ll explain your rights and entitlements and which systems might best serve your child’s disability. Advice is free over the phone, though office visits are available for a waivable sliding scale fee of $50.

Early Childhood Direction Center
At New York Presbyterian Hospital (no website)
(212) 746-6175
This group only offers (gratis) help over the phone for kids under 5; they assist with finding programs and services for many special needs, including speech, motor, and cognitive delays. They’ll facilitate referrals for parents both to Early Intervention programs (birth to three) and to the Board of Education for the preschool set, ages 3 to 5.

New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Nybida.org
(212) 691-1930
If you suspect your child may be dyslexic, (it’s the most common learning disability) NYBIDA provides testing and evaluation to determine which kind of help is in order. This organization can also recommend reading specialists and other specific tutoring. Click on ‘Facts on Dyslexia’ for fact sheets about understanding dyslexia, instructional approaches and finding an academic therapist.