Related Service Authorization

How do I obtain Related Services for my child?

Related services are provided in one of two ways:

Sometimes the NYC Department of Education will provide the service with its own staff or with the staff of associated agencies.

Often, however, the Board of Education is unable to provide the service itself due to a shortage of related service providers. In such cases, a Related Service Authorization (RSA) will be issued to you. This allows you to use a certified, independent service provider at no cost to you.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Related Services:

What is a Related Service Authorization (RSA)? A Related Service has been recommended for my child, but I was not issued a Related Service Authorization (RSA). How do I request one? I have a RSA. How do I find an independent service provider?

What is a Related Service Authorization (RSA)?

If the Board of Education is unable to provide a Related Service recommended for your child, then you should be issued a Related Service Authorization (RSA). Click here to view a sample RSA. With a RSA, a parent is able to locate a certified, independent service provider. The independent provider will supply the service, which will be paid for by the Department of Education.

If a Related Service has been recommended for your child, but you have not received a RSA, you should request a RSA from your regional Committee on Special Education (CSE).

A Related Service has been recommended for my child, but I was not issued a Related Service Authorization (RSA). How do I request one?

Once it is determined that the Department of Education is unable to provide a Related Service recommended for your child, you should be provided with a Related Service Agreement (RSA) automatically. If for some reason you have not been provided with a RSA, you may request one in writing from the Chairperson of your regional Committee on Special Education (CSE). If you do not know which region your child is in, click here.

How do I find an independent service provider?

• Parents may find a provider in a registry compiled by the Department of Education. The Department of Education publishes a list of certified, independent service providers that parents may use once they have obtained a Related Service Authorization (RSA). The most recent listing was published in August 2006.
• For pre-school students, the registry is organized by Borough:
• Manhattan
• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• Staten Island
• For school-age students, the registry is organized by the type of service:
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Counseling
• Speech and Language
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Vision and Hearing
• Special Education Teacher Support Services
• Nurses and Aides