My Child Is Classified as PSD in New Jersey. What Does That Mean?
If your preschooler has just been classified as PSD (Preschool Disabled) in New Jersey, you may be wondering: “What does this mean for my child?” Hearing an educational classification for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that this designation is about getting your child the support they need — not a label that defines who they are.
At NRC Therapy Services, we guide families across Monmouth County and Ocean County, NJ through the special education process. Here’s what parents need to know about the PSD classification.
What Does PSD (Preschool Disabled) Mean?
In New Jersey, the classification Preschool Disabled (PSD) applies to children ages 3 through 5 who need special education and related services due to developmental delays.
These delays may be seen in one or more areas, such as:
Communication (speech or language development)
Social-emotional skills (interaction, play, behavior)
Motor skills (fine or gross motor development)
Cognitive skills (early learning, problem-solving, attention)
Adaptive skills (self-help, daily living skills)
How Is a Child Identified as PSD?
The process usually begins when parents, teachers, or pediatricians notice delays. From there:
The Child Study Team (CST) evaluates your child across different developmental areas.
The team reviews results with you to determine if your child qualifies for PSD.
If eligible, your child receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with goals and services.
What Services Might My Child Receive?
Children with a PSD classification can access a range of services, depending on their needs:
Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Specialized preschool classroom with built-in supports
Social-emotional and play-based interventions
What PSD Does Not Mean
It does not give your child a medical diagnosis. PSD is strictly an educational classification used by schools.
It does not mean your child won’t catch up or make progress — many preschoolers show significant growth with early intervention.
It does not lock your child into special education forever. As your child approaches kindergarten, their classification may be reviewed and changed if appropriate.
Why Early Support Matters
Preschool is a critical time for growth in communication, learning, and social skills. The PSD classification ensures your child gets the help they need as early as possible. Research shows that early support leads to stronger long-term outcomes in school and everyday life.
Support for Families in Monmouth & Ocean County, NJ
At NRC Therapy Services, we work with families across Belmar, Wall, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant, Brick, Toms River, and surrounding towns to:
Provide private speech, language, literacy, feeding, and myofunctional therapy
Review IEPs and explain what services mean for your child
Offer independent evaluations when families want a second opinion
Coach parents on supporting language and learning at home
Final Thoughts
If your child has been classified as PSD in New Jersey, it simply means their school recognizes that extra support is needed during these crucial early years. With the right interventions, preschoolers can make amazing progress.
👉 Contact NRC Therapy Services today if you’d like guidance navigating the PSD process, reviewing your child’s IEP, or exploring private therapy options in Monmouth and Ocean County, NJ.