What Families Need to Know
Navigating the New York City special education system can be overwhelming for parents and guardians who want to ensure their child receives the right educational support. One key service available is Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS). Understanding how SETSS works, who qualifies, and how to access these services is essential for advocating effectively for your child.
What Are Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS)?
SETSS is a type of special education support provided by certified special education teachers to students with disabilities who require extra help to succeed academically. Unlike full-time special education classes, SETSS is designed to supplement instruction in the least restrictive environment possible—usually in a general education classroom or in small pull-out groups.
The goal of SETSS is to help students access the general curriculum by providing individualized or small-group instruction tailored to their learning needs.
Who Qualifies for SETSS?
SETSS applies to students in New York City public schools (and in some cases, non-public schools) who have been found eligible for special education services through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
A student may qualify if evaluations show they need additional instructional support in areas such as:
- Reading comprehension
- Writing skills
- Mathematics
- Organization and study skills
- Attention and behavior management
The exact amount and frequency of SETSS a student receives will be written into their IEP after the Committee on Special Education (CSE) review.
How to Get SETSS for Your Child
The process of securing SETSS typically involves:
- Referral for Evaluation – Parents, teachers, or school staff may refer a child for an IEP evaluation if academic or behavioral concerns persist.
- Comprehensive Evaluation – The school district conducts assessments in areas like academics, cognition, and behavior.
- CSE Meeting – The Committee on Special Education reviews the evaluations and determines eligibility.
- IEP Development – If eligible, SETSS may be recommended and included in the IEP, specifying how many sessions per week and in what setting (push-in, pull-out, or both).
- Implementation – The school arranges for a licensed special education teacher to provide the services.
If the DOE cannot provide a teacher directly, families may sometimes be issued Related Services Authorizations (RSAs) to seek SETSS providers privately.
Types of SETSS Services in NYC
SETSS can be delivered in different formats depending on the child’s needs:
- Push-In Services – The SETSS teacher works with the student inside the general education classroom.
- Pull-Out Services – The student works with a SETSS teacher in a small group outside the classroom.
- Hybrid Services – A combination of push-in and pull-out support.
Instruction can cover academic content, skill development, or strategies for learning and organization.
Benefits of Receiving SETSS
When implemented correctly, SETSS can provide significant benefits:
- Tailored instruction that meets a student’s unique learning needs.
- Support in accessing the general curriculum alongside peers.
- Improved academic skills, confidence, and independence.
- Collaboration between SETSS teachers and general education teachers.
- Early intervention that can prevent a widening academic gap.
Cost of SETSS to Families
For families, SETSS is free of charge when provided through the Department of Education as part of a student’s IEP. If the DOE is unable to provide services, parents may have the right to secure private providers at no cost, but this sometimes requires legal advocacy to enforce.
When an Attorney Can Help
Summary
While many families secure SETSS without issue, legal representation may be needed in situations such as:
- Delays in the evaluation or IEP process
- Insufficient or inappropriate SETSS recommendations
- Failure of the DOE to provide SETSS as written in the IEP
- Disputes over placement, frequency, or service delivery
- Challenges obtaining private providers through RSAs
An experienced special education attorney in NYC can advocate on your child’s behalf, ensure compliance with the law, and file for due process if necessary.
Ready to take action? Contact Gerschel Law for a free consultation and protect your child’s future.
SETSS can be a vital support for students who need extra help to thrive in the classroom. But too often, families encounter delays, gaps in services, or inadequate recommendations. Knowing your rights and when to involve an attorney can make all the difference in securing the education your child deserves.
If you believe your child qualifies for SETSS but has not been properly evaluated—or if the DOE is failing to deliver the services written in your child’s IEP—consulting with a special education lawyer in NYC can protect your child’s right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
