The handbook is intended as a reference on New York state aid for special education for local school districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, and private schools. An introduction traces the history of special education legislation within the state. Succeeding chapters touch upon determination of pupil placement for educational programs, state aid categories, and public and private excess cost aid. The next eight chapters address state aid for pupils with handicapping conditions in the following settings: private schools, state supported and state operated schools, community-based foster care programs, developmental centers, psychiatric centers operated by the Office of Mental Health, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded and developmenally disabled, child care institutions, and residential treatment facilities. Concluding sections discuss federal aid for pupils with handicapping conditions, procedures for requesting approval, state sources of information, and pertinent laws and regulations. (CL)