Annual CYSHCN Forum: Back to School Resources

In-person

• The transition back to the classroom can feel like a mountain to climb, especially for families navigating complex health needs. We created this forum to bridge the gap between healthcare and the hallway. Our goal is to replace "back-to-school jitters" with a clear, actionable plan that ensures safety, inclusion, and academic success for every child.

• This isn't just another lecture; it’s a high-resource workshop designed for real-world impact. We offer:
• Expert-Led Breakouts: Practical sessions on IEP/504 coordination, school nursing protocols, and mental health transitions.
• The Resource Hub: A curated collection of local and state tools specifically for CYSHCN families.
• Direct Access: Q&A sessions with advocates, healthcare providers, and school administrators.

• By the end of the forum, participants will walk away with:
• A Personalized Roadmap: A clear checklist for communicating your child's medical and educational needs to school staff.
• New Connections: A community of peers who understand the unique journey of raising a child with special health care needs.
• Advocacy Skills: The confidence to speak up for the accommodations your child deserves.

• Dress for Comfort: The day will include interactive breakout sessions and some walking between rooms. We recommend comfortable clothing and supportive shoes.
• Stay Hydrated: While light refreshments will be provided, we encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle. Filtered water stations will be available throughout the venue.
• Temperature Control: Indoor spaces can sometimes be unpredictable. We suggest bringing a light sweater or jacket to ensure you stay comfortable regardless of the room temperature.
• Materials & Notes: We will provide a digital resource folder, but if you prefer hand-writing your "Action Plan," feel free to bring your favorite notebook or tablet.
• Sensory & Accessibility: We strive to host an inclusive event. If you require specific sensory accommodations (such as a quiet space) or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact us at [email protected], or call 347-396-4600 by August 10th, 2026.

Event Sponsor:

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) provides information and referrals to health services and community resources for children and youth with special health care needs. To be eligible for services, individuals must be younger than 21 years of age and reside in NYC. They must have been diagnosed with or be suspected of having a developmental, physical, intellectual, emotional or behavioral condition.

The CYSHCN program provides a personalized list of resources to the child’s parent, social worker or other provider, and follows up shortly after to determine if connection to services was successful or if more assistance is needed. The CYSHCN program also connects families seeking health insurance to the NYC Health Department’s Office of Health Insurance Services enrollment counselors.

To decrease barriers and increase access to services, the CYSHCN program has staff fluent in English and Spanish, and the program utilizes translators for all additional languages. The CYSHCN program conducts presentations and participates at health fairs and community outreach events.As a member of our community, you can refer families to the CYSHCN program. Here’s how to connect with us:

• Call 347-396-4600.
• Email [email protected].
• Visit nyc.gov/health and search for .

By working together, we can increase the number of NYC children that receive the services and assistance they need.

Interpretation services are available upon request. Please submit requests no later than 72 hours before the event to [email protected].

可应要求提供口译服务。请在不晚于活动开始前的 72 小时提交要求至 [email protected]。

Se dispone de servicios de interpretación previa solicitud. Por favor, envíe su solicitud como mínimo 72 horas antes del evento a [email protected].

Interprétation disponible sur demande. Veuillez soumettre vos demandes au minimum 72 heures avant l'événement à [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher NYC Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness