Preschool Special Education

What is it?

The Special Education Preschool Program is a federally mandated and funded service. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes a range of educational opportunities available to children with moderate to severe disabilities who are three and four years old. The program is managed by the Saratoga Springs City School District with financial oversight provided by the Saratoga County Youth Bureau. The district does not operate nor supervise any preschool services. Children are served at any one of several county-approved private agency sites in the area, or through home-based and community-based programs. Saratoga County arranges transportation through private providers.

Who is eligible?

Any child age between the ages of 36 months (3 years) and 60 months (5 years) residing in the school district who is experiencing significant difficulties or delays in development, whether physical, mental, or emotional, can be referred for service. Areas of concern can include difficulties in developing speech and language skills, thinking skills, motor skills or social skills. An assessment is conducted by a state approved evaluation agency to determine if your child qualifies for the Special Education Preschool Program.

If you would like to refer your child to the Committee on Special Education, please call Evelina Schretzlmeir at 518-693-1417.

Intake Documents

You will be required to present Proof of Residency, Proof of Student’s age (Birth Certificate), copy of most recent physical, custody agreements, if applicable, and photo identification of both parents. If you cannot present the paperwork at the time of your meeting, arrangements will be made for you to provide the documents at a later date.

Acceptable Documents

Student Proof of Birth (one of the following):

  • Birth Certification: Must be an original document with a raised seal
  • Baptismal Certificate
  • Passport/Visa (Non-US Citizens Only)

Proofs of Residency – acceptable items:

  • Auto insurance ID card. must be valid and contain the name and correct address of the parents/guardians.
  • Lease agreement (recent, within 30 days). Legal and valid lease agreement between owner and renter. Agreement must contain property owner’s name and signature; name, signature and address of parent/guardian.
  • Gas/Electric bill. Use page that contains parent/guardian name and service address. Must be dated within 30 days of school registration.
  • Cable TV or other service bill. Use page that contains parent/guardian name and service address. Must be dated within 30 days of school registration.
  • Homeowners insurance policy. Must be a valid homeowner’s insurance policy containing parent/guardian name and address, and insured location.
  • Recently issued New York State driver’s license. New York State Driver’s license or learner’s permit containing parent/guardian name and address, issued within 30 days of school registration.
  • Pay stubs or earning statement. Must be recent, within 30 days of school registration, and contain name and address of parent/guardian.

UNACCEPTABLE: Bank Statements, Rent Receipts, Mail, Cell Phone Bill, Credit Card Bill, P. O. Box, Telephone Bill, Cancellation and Disconnect Notices

Proof of Parental Relationship to Student- 1 of the following:

  • Student Birth Certificate AND Both Parents’ Photo ID’s
  • Court Custody Documents (if applicable) AND Custodial Parent’s Photo ID
  • Guardianship Documents (if applicable) AND Guardian’s Photo ID
  • Other (Upon Approval) 

Previous School District Information (if applicable):

  • Name, Mailing address, and Fax # of the School student attended before coming to Saratoga Springs City School District